Goodell: Snyder won't change Redskins name

Despite renewed pressure from the Change the Mascot group toward the Washington Redskins, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell doesn't anticipate the team's name changing.

Goodell noted on ESPN radio Tuesday morning that Washington owner Dan Snyder has been steadfast in his desire to keep the nickname, adding, "I don't see him changing that perspective."

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The Change the Mascot group issued a statement on Monday praising the Cleveland Indians for their decision to remove the Chief Wahoo logo from their jerseys starting in 2019, while calling upon Washington to do the same.

"Washington Owner Dan Snyder needs to look at Cleveland's move and then look in the mirror and ask whether he wants to be forever known as the most famous purveyor of bigotry in modern sports, or if he wants to finally stand on the right side of history and change his team's name," said Oneida Nation representative Ray Halbritter, the leader of the campaign. "We hope he chooses the latter."

While MLB commissioner Rob Manfred had reportedly pushed Cleveland to make a change, Goodell does not sound likely to do anything similar with Washington.

"Dan Snyder has really worked in the Native American community to understand better their perspective, and I think it's reflected mostly in a Washington Post poll that came out in [May 2016] that said over nine out of 10 Native Americans do not take that in a negative fashion, the Redskins' logo or the Redskins' name, and they support it," Goodell said, referring to a poll that surveyed 504 Native Americans.

Snyder issued a statement after the results of the poll were announced, saying, "The Washington Redskins team, our fans and community have always believed our name represents honor, respect and pride. Today's Washington Post polling shows Native Americans agree. We are gratified by this overwhelming support from the Native American community, and the team will proudly carry the Redskins name."

The Supreme Court ruled last year that a trademark law barring disparaging terms infringes on free speech rights, boosting Washington's position.

--Field Level Media