It’s official … The Washington “Redskins” are no more.The NFL franchise announced Monday morning it’s FINALLY changing the team nickname they’ve had since 1933 … effective immediately.“Today we are announcing we will be retiring the Redskins name and logo,” the team said.The team says owner Dan Snyder and head coach Ron Rivera are “working closely to develop a new name and design approach that will enhance the standing of our proud tradition, rich franchise and inspire our sponsors, fans and community for the next 100 years.”The team had initially announced a “thorough review of the team’s name” back on July 3 after Native American groups and sponsors had decided enough was enough and put pressure on the team to make a change.Nike had stopped selling “Redskins” merchandise on its official website — and FedEx — which has spent MILLIONS over the years for the naming rights to FedExField in Maryland — threatened to jump shipif the team didn’t make a change.And, Fawn Sharp — president of the National Congress of American Indians (which represents more than 500 tribal nations) also issued a scathing statement to the team — calling for players to boycott until the name was changed.What’s important about Fawn … is Washington had long argued that Native American groups were largely supportive of the nickname. Fawn and the NCAI called BS and they couldn’t hide behind that claim anymore.The team has not locked in new team name yet — they’re reportedly working on the business side of that … but the season is set to begin soon, so the clock’s ticking.
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