Count Dallas Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones among those who think that Dan Snyder and the Washington Redskins should be able to keep their team name, according to CBSsports.com, despite mounting pressure from political figures and Native American advocacy groups to change it.
Jones, in an appearance on Shan & RJ on 105.3 The Fan Tuesday, ahead of Monday's matchup between his Cowboys and Snyder's Redskins, explained his position thusly: "I know that it's not in any way meant to denigrate the Redskins, or the Washington team, or what it represents," said Jones. "It's like the Cowboys to me. I think we should all feel that way about it. It's a great part of the tradition of the league. And I don't want to be insensitive, but I sure think that if the Redskins and Snyder want to keep that, they should keep it."
Snyder has said on repeated occasions that he doesn't want to change the team name, and a recent poll by the Associated Press shows that most Americans agree, with only 14 percent indicating that they want the name changed, according to CBSSports.com.
Jones, much like actor Matthew McConaughey, understands the increased sensitivity surrounding the name, even if he doesn't agree with it.
"I do understand the times we are in," continued Jones. "We are in changing times relative to sensitivity. I have all that you could possibly ask for in my thoughts as well. I think it's pretty pointed that this name is one of pride; this name is one of competition; this name is one of a lot of great things that have happened with this franchise. It should be looked at that way."
Congress has gotten involved recently, threatening to remove the team's tax-exempt status if the organization continues to use "Redskins" as the team name. There was also an attempt to have the FCC classify the term as a racial slur, therefore prohibiting its use on radio and television.
