Meeting between NFL and Oneida Indian Nation officials set for next week
Redskins owner Daniel Snyder has said he will never change the team's nickname. (George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
The National Football League will meet next week with Oneida Indian Nation officials who oppose the Washington Redskins nickname, reports the Associated Press.
The Oneida officials say that the nickname is used as a slur and want the team the change it.
Oneida spokesman Brett Stagnitti told the AP on Friday that meeting is scheduled for Wednesday in New York City.
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Redskins owner Daniel Snyder has said that he would never change the nickname and wrote an open letter to his team's fans earlier this month.
"I've listened carefully to the commentary and perspectives on all sides, and I respect the feelings of those who are offended by the team name," Snyder wrote. "But I hope such individuals also try to respect what the name means, not only for all of us in the extended Washington Redskins family, but among Native Americans too."
More from the AP:
The Oneida Indian Nation and its leader Ray Halbritter became prominent critics of the team's name after funding a radio ad campaign and a symposium on the harmful effects of the nickname in Washington. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said senior league executives will attend next week’s meeting, but he didn’t know if Commissioner Roger Goodell will be among them.
