Washington, Cleveland pro teams reviewing changing controversial team names

The Washington football team and Cleveland baseball team have announced reviews of their controversial team names, both of which have been considered insensitive to Native Americans.

The Washington football team and Cleveland baseball team have announced reviews of their controversial team names, both of which have been considered insensitive to Native Americans.

Wow.

The Washington Redskins will undergo “a thorough review of the team’s name.” pic.twitter.com/VYdScvsbg0

— Yamiche Alcindor (@Yamiche) July 3, 2020

Washington's NFL franchise has long been resistant to changing its name from "Redskins," but after FedEx, one of the team's primary sponsors and owner of the team's home stadium's naming rights, requested a name change the team announced a formal review of the name. With the league involved as well, reports indicate a change is imminent.

Washington Redskins launch review of controversial team name https://t.co/NwLhLn3ISF

— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) July 3, 2020

Hours after Washington’s announcement, the Cleveland Indians tweeted “We are committed to making a positive impact in our community and embrace our responsibility to advance social justice and equality.” The team made a slight change seven years ago, when the team dropped Chief Wahoo as their primary logo, and removed the logo entirely from uniforms last year. 

Breaking: Indians ready to discuss changing team name. Story with @ZackMeisel: https://t.co/x5tj1j0flY

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 4, 2020

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