Washington Redskins team owner Daniel Snyder has always been adamant about maintaining what he felt was the “tradition” of the franchise. However, it seems the recent turn of events has spurred him to switch his stance regarding the offensive team name.
Snyder is facing pressure from team sponsors as well as commissioner Roger Goodell on the issue. According to ESPN's John Keim, Snyder has reportedly acknowledged the prospect of having to make a change:
In multiple conversations over the last few days with people who know Dan Snyder well, strong feeling by them: This time is different. Some definitely feel it will change. Some hedging. Some believe process now about sorting out how to keep traditions that matter most. Stay tuned
Social issues have been thrust to the forefront of the discussion amid the efforts being made to combat racial injustice and systemic oppression ahead of the 2020 NFL season. The Native American community has long been left out of the conversation despite longstanding attempts to get Snyder to change a name they have deemed to be offensive.
Regardless, Snyder has never given any indication that the team would go in a different direction until it was reported that several shareholders from companies such as Nike, FedEx and PepsiCo threatened to sever ties with Washington unless they change their name. The possibility of losing sponsors during the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic was more than enough to make him change his tune.
Of course, it remains to be seen just how soon Snyder plans on making it happen.
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