The New York Times published an astounding report earlier this morning. Fifty US senators, nearly half of the legislative body, voted for the Washington Reskins to change their name, citing how the NBA treated racist remarks made by Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling.
“The NFL can no longer ignore this and perpetuate the use of this name as anything but what it is: a racial slur,” the letter says. “We urge the NFL to formally support a name change for the Washington football team. . . . We urge you and the National Football League to send the same clear message as the NBA did: that racism and bigotry have no place in professional sports.”
How significant of a signing is this?
“Listen, it is hard to get 50 people in this place to agree on anything,” Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) said.