Recently there has been much controversy surrounding Washington D.C.’s football team their name, “Redskins.” Many questioned whether the title “Redskins” discriminates against the Native American’s in our country today and the ones who have been in this country for centuries.

While many believe the term “Redskin” is not derogatory ; leaders of Native American tribes had recently spoken about the topic to the media.

Ray Halbritter, leader of the Oneida Indian’s had commented on the topic. “Let’s be clear. The name, the R word, is defined in the dictionary as an offensive term. It’s a racial epithet. It’s a racial slur. I think there is a broader discussion to be had about using mascots generally and the damage it does to people and their self-identity” said Halbritter.

While other teams in the sports world are named after Native American’s such as baseballs Atlanta Braves and Cleveland Indians, hockey’s Chicago Blackhawks, and the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs along with the Washington Redskins. Some have argued that although there are other teams with names affiliated with the Native American’s. The Redskins name is more derogatory towards Native American’s.

President Obama had also spoken on this issue. The President had been interviewed by the AP saying “If I owned the team, I would think about changing the name” said President Obama.

The Snyder family, whom owns the Redskins, had written a letter to the fans earlier this month on October 7th. In the letter the Snyder family defends the Redskins, not only the name but, a tradition filled organization for 81 years that has been filled with rich history ever since its beginning and founding by the Snyder family.

Whether or not the Redskins name should be changed is to be determined, however on October 9th a logo design contest was held and the winner was picked just last Thursday on October 16th. The contest included not only a new design, but a new nickname for the team. Some of the entries included names such as the Renegades, the Griffins, the RedTails, and the Generals. The organization then picked a winner in the contest and if the name and logo were to change, the Redskins organization determined that the new name would be the Washington Warriors.

Whether or not the Redskins name will be changed will be determined sometime in the future by the Snyder family and the Redskins front offices. Wthin the next few years, the “Redskins” could be history in the NFL.