NFL's Goodell defends Redskins' name; calls it "positive."

[Auggie]

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell defended the Washington Redskins' nickname in a letter to 10 members of Congress who had earlier urged team owner Daniel Snyder and the NFL to change the name because it is offensive to many Native Americans.

The members of Congress had sent their letters to Snyder, Goodell and the other 31 NFL franchises on May 13. Goodell's response was sent June 5, a digital copy of which was posted by the Indian Country Today Media Network.

"The Washington Redskins name has thus from its origin represented a positive meaning distinct from any disparagement that could be viewed in some other context," Goodell writes in the letter. "For the team's millions of fans and customers, who represent one of America's most ethnically and geographically diverse fan bases, the name is a unifying force that stands for strength, courage, pride and respect."

SNIP

(Congresswoman Betty) McCollum (D-Minn) said Goodell's letter was "another attempt to justify a racial slur on behalf of Dan Snyder and other NFL owners who appear to be only concerned with earning ever larger profits, even if it means exploiting a racist stereotype of Native Americans."

LINK: http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9375313/roger-goodell-defends-washington-redskins-name

[TZ]

1. He also has

In hand a poll of FANS 79% say NOT to change the name. I'd like to see a name change. But it's not happening. The NFL is not a democracy. I just cannot get worked up over this issue. I suppose it's because I've been a fan so long I NEVER saw it as an epithet because it's never been used as such. I'm sure now I'll be flamed as a racist ...*sigh*

[KamaAina]

2. Geographically diverse?

Where would one find R*dsk*ns fans outside the Beltway? Well, that is parts of two states plus DC.

[TZ]

4. All the way down to North Carolina actually

Before the Panthers came NC was a huge state for Skins fans. That's how Dale Earnheart Junior became s Skins fan. They have a VERY large fan base. Always have
Heck, I know there are more than a few fans even in Texas of all places.

[Iggo]

3. It's racist.

It just is.

There is no distinct positive meaning.

[madinmaryland]

5. They might as well just change their name to the Washington "N-word".

Fuck Snyder.