US: Washington Redskins to retire controversial team name, logo
The announcement comes after the team said that a 'thorough review' of the name would be conducted
The National Football League’s (NFL) Washington team will change the Redskins name and logo, following pressure from sponsors over a moniker widely criticized as a racist slur against Native Americans.
The announcement comes after the team said that a “thorough review” of the name would be conducted.
"Today, we are announcing we will be retiring the Redskins name and logo upon completion of this review," the NFL team said in a statement on Monday, AFP cited.
Team owner Daniel Snyder and head coach Ron Rivera "are working closely to develop a new name and design approach that will enhance the standing of our proud, tradition rich franchise and inspire our sponsors, fans and community for the next 100 years."
Snyder had long resisted calls to change the team's name but faced mounting demands to rethink that position as protests across the US erupted against systemic racism following the May death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Native American leaders had written to the NFL commissioner Roger Goodell last week demanding an immediate change of the team's name, logo and mascot.
Intense pressure from the team's most powerful corporate partners are widely believed to have forced the move.