Redskins announce thorough review amid pressure to change NFL team name
The Washington Redskins announced a ‘thorough review’ of their name amid pressure from Nike and Fedex, the naming sponsor of the team's stadium; David Spunt reports.
Three minority owners of the Washington Redskins are looking to sell their shares due to their different standpoints from majority owner Daniel Snyder, according to multiple reports.
Robert Rothman, Dwight Schar and Fred Smith, who own a combined 40 percent of the team, are “not happy being a partner” with Snyder and have hired an investment firm to search for potential buyers of their shares, The Washington Post reported Sunday.
REDSKINS OFFERED AN ASSIST FROM HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS OVER NAME-CHANGE CONSIDERATION
Pro Football Talk first reported that Schar and Smith were looking to sell their shares in the team.
The Redskins franchise has been under pressure in recent weeks to change the team name over its racial connotations. FedEx, of which Smith is the CEO, publicly requested the team change its name. That was followed by Nike pulling team gear from its website and Pepsi adding its voice to the conversation.
REDSKINS' DWAYNE HASKINS THROWS HIS SUPPORT FOR THIS NAME IF TEAM DECIDES TO CHANGE
“We have been in conversations with the NFL and Washington management for a few weeks about this issue. We believe it is time for a change. We are pleased to see the steps the team announced today, and we look forward to [a] continued partnership,” a Pepsi Co. spokesperson said in a statement.
In light of corporate pressure, the Redskins announced Friday it would do a “thorough review” of the team name, which has been used since 1933.
“In light of recent events around our country and feedback from our community, the Washington Redskins are announcing the team will undergo a thorough review of the team’s name. The review formalizes the initial discussions the team has been having with the league in recent events.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Snyder added: “This process allows the team to take into account not only the proud tradition and history of the franchise but also input from our alumni, the organization, sponsors, the National Football League and the local community it is proud to represent on and off the field.”
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has expressed his support about the team’s talks.
Fox News First
Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.