In the face of mounting criticism, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said on Wednesday that it's up to Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder to decide whether to change the team's controversial name.
Goodell appeared on 106.7 The Fan, a DC-based radio show, and was asked whether the decision to change the Redskins moniker rested solely with Snyder or if the league had a say.
"Well, as you guys know, I grew up in Washington," said Goodell, who lived in D.C. until around age 10, via DC Sports Bog. "The Colts were my team early on, and then I became a Redskins fan. So I know the team name is part of their history and tradition, and that's something that's important to Redskins fans. And I think what we have to do though is we have to listen.
"If one person is offended, we have to listen. And ultimately, it is Dan's decision. But it is something that I want all of us to go out and make sure we're listening to our fans, listening to people who have a different view, and making sure that we continue to do what's right to make sure that team represents the strong tradition that it has for so many years."
Snyder is adamant about the franchise keeping its name.
"We will never change the name of the team," Snyder told USA Today Sports in May. "As a lifelong Redskins fan, and I think that the Redskins fans understand the great tradition and what it's all about and what it means, so we feel pretty fortunate to be just working on next season."
The controversy surrounding the Redskins name, which is currently being challenged before the Trademark Trial and Appeal board, encouraged 10 congressmen of the Congressional Native American Caucus to send a letter to Goodell, urging him to change the team name.
Goodell declined.
"For the team's millions of fans and customers, who represent one of America's most ethnically and geographically diverse fan bases," Goodell wrote in June, "the name is a unifying force that stands for strength, courage, pride and respect."
