Team officials have revealed the Washington Redskins plan to change the team’s logo and name, according to CNN; however, the new team name has not yet been announced.
Just days ago, the team said that it would conduct a “thorough review” of the name. It has long been denounced by Native American groups who say the term, redskins, is an ethnic slur.
“(We) 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,” the team’s owner Daniel Snyder and head coach Ron Rivera said.
Rivera also added he is working with Snyder to create a name that will honor Native Americans and the military. However, according to The Washington Post, the team’s name will not change immediately. It is expected to be in place by the beginning of the 2020 National Football League series.
A couple people with knowledge of the plans say the preferred replacement name is currently held up by trademark issues, which is the reason the team was not able to announce the new name today.
Snyder said in the past that he would never change the 87-year-old controversial team name. The decision was finally made after increasing pressure from corporate sponsors due to the issue of race and mounting discussions about racial justice in the midst of recent Black Lives Matter marches and rallies.
