The debate over the Redskins nickname was in the news more than the actual teams on field performance in 2013.
During his annual Super Bowl state-of-the-NFL speech Roger Goodell defended the name.
“I spent the last year talking to many of the leaders of the Native American community,” Goodell said. “We are listening and we are trying to make sure we understand the issues.
“But let me remind you: This is the name of a football team, a football team that has had that name for 80 years. That has presented the name in a way that is honorable to Native Americans. We recognize that many don’t agree with the name. And we respect that.
Goodell then went to statistics to support his argument.
“But if you look at the numbers, including the Native American communities, the Native American community poll, nine out of 10 prefer the name – eight of 10 Americans in the general population would not like us to change the name. So we are listening and being respectful to people who disagree.”
Redskins team owner Daniel Snyder vows to keep the nickname around.
