WHAT TOOK YOU SO LONG?

Washington Redskins Will Retire Game’s Most Offensive Name, Team Announces

Daniel Snyder vowed to never surrender on the slur for Native Americans. Now Warriors, Red Wolves, and Redtails are among the top new name contenders.

The Washington Redskins will bow to mounting pressure and retire their incendiary name, the team has announced. Owner Daniel Snyder had long vowed he would never change the name, despite Native American groups and others calling it offensive. But after FedEx, whose president and chairman owns a stake in the NFL franchise, demanded on July 2 that the name be retired, Snyder changed his tune. In a statement released Monday morning, the team announced it will be “retiring the Redskins name and logo” at the conclusion of a review process, when a new name and logo will be unveiled. It said the new name will “enhance the standing of our proud, tradition rich franchise and inspire our sponsors, fans, and community for the next 100 years.” Warriors, Red Wolves, and Redtails are reportedly among fans’ top choices for the new name.

However, the Atlanta Braves say they are not following in the Redskins’ footsteps and considering a name change—but their “tomahawk chop” fan tradition is under review. ESPN reports the Braves sent season season ticket-holders an email amid renewed questions about whether its name and other trappings are offensive to Native Americans.