A Washington, D.C. councilman plans to submit a resolution calling on the NFL's Washington Redskins to change their name.
The Washington Examiner reports that D.C. council member David Grosso, elected last year, intends to introduce the resolution to eliminate what some perceive to be a derogatory nickname toward Native Americans.
"We have to change it, and I'm calling on (owner) Dan Snyder and the NFL to step up and do the right thing," Grosso said.
Grosso suggested the franchise change its name to the Washington Redtails, a reference to the Tuskagee Airmen from World War II.
The resolution Grosso plans to submit is non-binding. Even if the resolution were to pass, the D.C. Council could not actually force Washington to change their name. In 2002, the Council passed a similar resolution.
A group of five Native Americans recently challenged the Redskins' name before the Trademark Trial and Appeal board in 2006. The case is ongoing, and the last hearing was held in March.
The group of Native Americans must prove that the Redskins' name was offensive to a significant population of American Indians back when the team received the trademarks. The board can't force the Redskins to change their name, but the Redskins will lose revenue if they don't have trademark protection for their name.
The debate whether or not the Washington franchise should change their name has intensified since having a successful season last year. Quarterback Robert Griffin III, the 2012 NFL Rookie of the Year, seemingly spoke out about the name change.
RG3 has put the Redskins back into national headlines with his sensational play. After winning their first NFC East title in 13 years, the Redskins made their first playoff appearance since 2007.
