The immense pressure to change the name of the Washington Redskins have shifted to corporate sponsors. FedEx formally asked the Redskins to change the name. Meanwhile, Nike removed merchandise and the name of the Redskins from their website. With that said, owner Dan Snyder has “no official plans” to address the renewed call to change the team’s name, according to NFL insider Josina Anderson.
Interestingly, Anderson noted internally the team says no other [sports] owner has “contributed more” to the Native American community monetarily.
Snyder founded the Original Americans Foundation in 2014 in an effort provide charitable donations and economic development to Native American communities. The nonprofit organization donated $3.7 million to 25 tribes in its first year. It donated $1.6 million to 14 tribes the second year, according to Washington Post.
Still, there is an outcry from that community to change the team’s name. As Anderson noted, with time pressure is rising for Snyder to address the situation.
In 2013, he vowed “never” to change the team name. But the climate has significantly changed. There is a heightened awareness of systematic racism, and the outcry to change the name is increasing.
FedEx’s request is very significant. The company owns the naming rights to the Redskins’ home stadium, FedEx Field. Its CEO, Fred Smith, is a minority owner of the Redskins.
Nike’s apparent removal of Washington’s merchandise could become a major blew. The shoe brand is the uniform provider for each NFL team, including the Redskins.
Snyder may be opting to remain silent for now. But, his silence could become financially costing.
