Posted on 04/22/2014 5:05:35 PM PDT by rickmichaels
Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder insisted again on Tuesday that he will not change the team's name despite continuing objections by Native Americans.
"We understand the issues out there, and we're not an issue," said Snyder, who was speaking at a ceremony after the Redskins donated $100,000 to Park View High School to go toward the installation of a synthetic turf field.
"The real issues are real-life issues, real-life needs, and I think it's time that people focus on reality."
Snyder responded to critics of his Original Americans Foundation, which is providing money and resources to tribal communities throughout the country. One criticism is that he is trying to buy good will to deflect attention from those who want the team name changed.
"I wrote a letter to the fans and it speaks for itself," Snyder said, referring to a letter distributed in March to announce the foundation. "It tells you we did our homework, unlike a lot of people, and we understand the issues out there. We're not an issue. The real issues are real-life issues, real-life needs, and it's time that people focus on reality."
Snyder has called the Redskins' name a "badge of honor."
The Oneida Indian Nation, which has been at the forefront of the push to change the team's name, responded to Snyder's latest comments.
"If Dan Snyder thinks it is acceptable for a billionaire to market, promote and profit off of a dictionary defined racial slur, then he's living in an alternate universe," Oneida spokesman Ray Halbritter said in a statement, via The Associated Press. "If he wants to focus on reality, here's a reality check: the longer he insists on slurring Native Americans, the more damage he will keep doing to Native American communities, and the more he will become synonymous with infamous segregationist George Preston Marshall, who originally gave the team this offensive name."
On another topic, Snyder said the Redskins signing free agent wide receiver DeSean Jackson, who was released by the Philadelphia Eagles, was an easy decision for the team.
"When you look at the fact that the head coach (Jay Gruden) and general manager (Bruce Allen) said this is the right move, the only thing I can do is support it and that's what I've done," Snyder said. "It's been great. I've spent a little time with him and he's really a good guy.
"That's going to be exciting, and not just the two games against Philly. We got tired of seeing him score a lot of touchdowns against us and watching him on TV, so it's great to have him here."
LET IT BE KNOWN AT LEAST HERE:
The minute they cave is the minute I, my wife, my ticket-holding brothers and sisters and our ticket-holding children, cease to be fans. And we will bring as many friends as possible.
HOLD FAST REDSKINS.
XVII
They actually play in Maryland, right?
Why not call them the Baltimore Baraqqis.
Isupport Snyder 100% on this “issue”. He owns the team and the call belongs to him and him alone.
Just drop the “Washington” part of the name.
After all, that is where the real insult lies.
The Washington Pol Cats.
About the only thing I like about Snyder.
As a NYG fan I’m actually starting to like Snyder!
I would even join in singing a verse or two!
lol
Ray Halbritter is the one living in an alternate universe. He is trying too hard to make an issue where none exists. The "Redskins" name is a badge of honor except to Ray Halbritter and members of the Obama administration who really want to force their will on the people.
Do your homework, and stop trying to make people think the way you do, Ray. The Redskins bring glory and honor to their namesake. The name may have been a problem in the 1800s, but this is 2014. Get a life!
WASHINGTON FORESKINS. That way, you can still call them The Skins.
it’s a very offensive name that offends tens of millions every year and should be changed immediately!
Capital Redskins isn’t bad... or maybe Virginia Redskins. District Redskins?
Ug.
I’m glad Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder is not going to be politically correct and rename the skins,
still doesn’t negate the fact that Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder is an ass.
If they want to change something...How about doing away with tax payer funded “Reservationsâ€... those are offensive to me....Something about separate but equal
Maybe Snyder should rename his team the Fightin’ Whities. That way, he can offend everybody equally.
Maryland “Freak State” PING!
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