The removal of former Washington Redskins owner George Preston Marshall was long overdue according to a statement released by Events DC. Marshall did a lot of questionable things when he was the owner of the Redskins, outside of the name.

In the statement, they announced they removed a statue of a man “who didn’t believe all men and women were created equal and who actually worked against integration is counter to all that we as people, a city, and nation represent.”

“Removing this statue is a small and an overdue step on the road to lasting equality and justice. We recognize that we can do better and act now. We’ve heard from many of our stakeholders in the community, and we thank you. Allowing the memorial to remain on the RFK Campus goes against Events DC’s values of inclusion and equality and is a disturbing symbol to many in the city we serve.”

In the 1961 season, the Redskins were told they needed to sign a black player or their lease might not be renewed. Marshall said he wanted to discuss that idea with John F. Kennedy.

The original Redskins fight song included the line “fight for old dixie.” He also advertised his all-white team as the team of the South.

The removal is a big step, but now the battle will probably heat up to get the Redskins team name changed. Redskins owner Dan Snyder has said many times that he won't change the team name, but at some point he might not have any chance.