Redskins no more: NFL retiring Washington franchise name

Officials with the National Football League’s Washington franchise announced Monday plans to retire the Redskins name and logo after more than 80 years with the controversial moniker.

Update 9:10 a.m. EDT July 13: Officials with the NFL’s Washington franchise said Monday in a statement that following a review launched July 3 of the Redskins name, they’ve decided to retire the name.

In a statement, officials said team owner Daniel Snyder and coach Ron Rivera “are working closely to develop a new name and design approach that will enhance the standing of our proud, tradition rich franchise and inspire our sponsors, fans and community for the next 100 years.”

Original report: The National Football League’s Washington franchise intends to announce Monday that it will retire the “Redskins” name after more than 80 years, Sports Business Journal reported.

According to CBS Sports, the controversial moniker has been used by the franchise since 1933, predating the team’s move from Boston to Washington by four years.

Meanwhile, the team’s existing logo of an Indian chief had been designed by a Native American in 1971, ESPN reported.

The step comes 11 days after the franchise launched a “thorough review” into the continued use of the name, prompted by stadium naming-rights sponsor FedEd requesting the change in a public statement, the sports network reported.

Fans anxious to learn the team’s new nickname will have to be patient, however, because “trademark issues are pending,” Sports Business Journal reported.

Another source told ESPN that the current plan is to retain the franchise’s use of burgundy and gold colors, and head coach Ron Rivera had said the team would also like to include the military in its new name.

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Cox Media Group