Redskins owner Daniel Snyder sits with president of Navajo Nation
Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder sat with Ben Shelly, the outgoing president of the Navajo Nation, during the Redskins's game against the Cardinals on Sunday in Arizona, one of the main areas the Navajo people reside.
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Numerous sources have claimed that Shelly is not held in very high regard with the Navajos, as seen in his seventh-place finish in the August primaries for Navajo president, which Deadspin reported Sunday afternoon.
Shelly was also charged with fraud, conspiracy and theft in 2010 in connection with allegations he used Navajo money for his and his family's benefit. The charges were dropped in exchange for him agreeing to pay back $8,250 he was accused of stealing, Deadspin reports.
Deadspin also noted that Shelly's own tribal council voted 9-2 in April to formally oppose the name Redskins, and Shelly was accused of going behind the back of tribal leaders to team with Snyder to host a golf tournament.
Jacqueline Keeler, a member of the Navajo/Yankton Sioux and founder of EONM (Eradicating Offensive Native Mascotry) earlier this year at the time of the golf tournament said:
"I think it is unfortunate the Navajo Nation administration of Ben Shelly is so out of step with the Navajo people, particularly, the young people, regarding this issue ... I am also alarmed at the underhanded way this event was handled. The other funders were unaware of the Washington Redskins [Original Americans Foundation] involvement until the day before and Ben Shelly has repeatedly refused to comment on his meeting with Snyder."
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- Chris Mascaro
