THE Washington Redskins have been savagely trolled online after revealing their new name is the “Washington Football Team” due to a racism furore.
On Thursday, the announced they would be re-branding because people said the “Redskins” name and its logo depicting a Native American chief was racist.
“We’re retiring our old name,” the team said. “And building a new kind of team. For the upcoming season, we’re calling ourselves The Washington Football Team.”
The word “Washington” with “Football Team, EST 1932” underneath will replace the old name on its logo, which had been in use for 37 years.
Their new home uniforms with the temporary name will debut in Week 1 against the Eagles, and its road uniforms in Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals, reported ESPN.
A new permanent name will be discussed with players, alumni, fans, sponsors and the community, Terry Bateman, the franchise’s new executive vice president said.
Team owner Dan Snyder initially resisted efforts to change the name but eventually gave in when sponsors like FedEx demanded it.
The name change came about during the widespread Black Lives Matter protests following George Floyd‘s police custody death in Minneapolis.
Critics said the Redskins name was offensive to Native Americans.
Other suggestions included Red Hawks, Red Wolves and the Washington Warriors and fans weren’t impressed with their “boring” new moniker.
BACKLASH
Even celebs like Lebron James gave his two-cents on the matter.
“Just waking back up from my pregame nap to see about The Washington Football team???” he wrote. “Is that real??
“No way! Oh man they had a thorough intense long board meeting about that one huh.”
Former Oklahoma State player Dez Bryant also derided the team for their new name after they were pressured to change it.
“Who you play for? The Washington football team.. naw that ain’t it,” he said.
“For some reason that alone makes me feel it won’t be a football season.. I’m sad seriously. No disrespect to Washington football team but that’s a soul crusher not to have a football name.”
Other Twitter users also lamented the name situation and said it was indicative of political correctness gone mad.
“Florida State Football Team. Cleveland Football Team. Chicago Hockey Team… where does it end!” raged one person.
Another user bizarrely claimed the name was the “embodiment of racist white men. Bland, boring, laughable.”
“‘The Washington Football Team’ is exactly what I would expect in 2020,” another commented.
THE CLEVELAND INDIANS
The Cleveland Indians are also planning a name change, their owner Paul Dolan said.
He met with Cleveland’s players, front-office members and manager Terry Francona earlier this week for “candid and productive” talks on the matter.
“Our players care about the organization and feel strongly about social justice and racial equality,’ Dolan said.
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<!--googleon: all-->“I support their interest in using their platform to unite our city and our nation through their actions.
“As I explained to our players, I am invested in engaging our community and appropriate stakeholders to help determine the best path forward with regard to our team name.
“In the coming weeks, we will engage Native American leaders to better understand their perspectives, meet with local civic leaders, and continue to listen to the perceptions of our players, fans, partners and employees.”
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