Sports

'Redskins Pride Caucus' Enters Slur Controversy

Three Virginia legislators hope to represent the interests of professional football fans and challenge the authority of the U.S. Congress with the announcement of the "Redskins Pride Caucus," Monday.

A bipartisan group of Virginia state legislators called the "Redskins Pride Caucus" (RPC) aims to combat congressional involvement in the Redskins franchise.

State Sen. Chap Peterson, D-Fairfax City; Delegate Jackson Miller, R-Manassas; and Delegate David Ramadan, R-Loudoun announced the formation of the RPC Monday, June 23. The group intends to represent the interests of professional football fans across the Commonwealth.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office revoked the Washington Redskins trademark registration June 18, saying “a substantial composite of Native Americans found the term Redskins to be disparaging.

Native American groups have lobbied members of congress and the general public to call for a name change. Team owner Daniel Snyder has adamantly claimed the team's 81-year-old name and logo are intended to honor Native Americans, citing evidence that most Native Americans do not find the term offensive, according to the Washington Post.

Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash. and Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla. of the United States Congress have since urged NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and the National Football League in a letter to "take a formal position in support of a name change," the Washington Post reports. 

What do you think of the Washington Redskins name controversy? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

The RPC's founding principles are as follows, according to a press release:

  1. "Providing a voice for Redskins fans and season ticket holders."
  2. "Supporting the Redskins franchise, a Virginia-based business that generates hundreds of millions of dollars in taxable revenue for schools, roads, public safety and other important public services in the Commonwealth."
  3. "Opposing inappropriate involvement of the United States Congress in issues surrounding the Redskins franchise and its supporters."
  4. "Supporting commercial freedom in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the rights of businesses to their own brands and intellectual property.
The RPC will formally announce the group a news conference this afternoon in the House Briefing-Media Room of the General Assembly Building. The meeting is open to the public.


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