Group asks broadcasters to stop saying ‘Redskins’
WASHINGTON — A group campaigning for the Washington Redskins to change their name is sending a letter to broadcasters requesting that the name not be uttered on the public airwaves.
The letter was released Wednesday and is signed by more than 100 Native American, religious and civil rights organizations. It’s being sent by the Change the Mascot movement headed by the Oneida Indian Nation of New York.
The letter describes “redskin” as a “government-defined racial slur” that has been used to disparage American Indians “throughout history.”
Several prominent broadcasters — including Bob Costas and Phil Simms — have either spoken out against the name or say they don’t intend to use it.
Redskins owner Dan Snyder says he’ll never change the name. He calls it a source of pride for Native Americans.
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AP NFL websites: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP—NFL
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