Analysis finds 27% decrease in Redskins mentions on NFL broadcasts
Mentions of the word "Redskins" on NFL broadcasts decreased 27 percent from last season, according to an analysis from Deadspin.
That percentage amounts to 472 fewer mentions, the analysis says. During the final week of games in the regular season, the word was mentioned only 13 times, according to the analysis.
The team's name has increasingly come under scrutiny from Native American groups, lawmakers, media members and other observers, who say the name is offensive and racist toward the Native American community. Defenders of the name, including Snyder, say it honors Native Americans as well as the team's history.
In June, the United States Patent and Trademark Office canceled six federal trademark registrations for the Redskins. Multiple print and television media members and publications have decided not to use the name.
• FCC rejects bid to ban use of 'Redskins' name on television, radio
A letter signed by 50 U.S. senators and endorsed by majority leader Harry Reid urged NFL leadership to press for a name change.
Redskins president Bruce Allen responded with his own letter. "With over 81 years of tradition created by thousands of alumni and millions of fans, the Redskins team name continues to carry a deep and purposeful meaning," he wrote.
A protest was staged near FedEx Field on Sunday, the same day as the Redskins' final home game of the season.
Team owner Daniel Snyder has repeatedly said he will never change the name.
