Jerry Jones: Snyder Should Keep Redskins Name
DALLAS (105.3 THE FAN) -- Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder has vowed never to change the name of his franchise despite facing increasing pressure to do so. Jerry Jones doesn't think he should have to.
Jones joined Shan & RJ on 105.3 The Fan Tuesday to explain his position.
"I know that it's not in any way meant to denigrate the Redskins, or the Washington team, or what it represents," said Jones. "It's like the Cowboys to me. I think we should all feel that way about it. It's a great part of the tradition of the league. And I don't want to be insensitive, but I sure think that if the Redskins and Snyder want to keep that, they should keep it."
Jerry Jones on the Redskins Name
(Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
A recent poll by the Associated Press shows that only 14 percent of Americans want the Redskins to change their name. But Snyder and the Redskins have faced growing pressure from politicians and Native American groups.
Congress has threatened to remove the team's tax-exempt status if the franchise continues to operate with "Redskins" as its team name. And an attempt was recently made to have the FCC classify the name as a racial slur, prohibiting its use on radio and television.
Some analysts, including CBS lead analyst Phil Simms, have made the decision to forego using the name, instead referring to the team just as "Washington".
Jones understands the public outrage and doesn't dismiss the controversial aspect of the name -- but he thinks the name should be viewed in a different light.
"I do understand the times we are in. We are in changing times relative to sensitivity. I have all that you could possibly ask for in my thoughts as well. I think it's pretty pointed that this name is one of pride; this name is one of competition; this name is one of a lot of great things that have happened with this franchise. It should be looked at that way."
Dallas hosts Washington on Monday night at AT&T Stadium in the teams' first of two NFC East matchups this season.
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