The "Redskins" term has come under criticism as a slur used against Native Americans. The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska released a statement in response to the announcement:
“The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is encouraged that this long-overdue moment has arrived, with one professional sports franchise abandoning a mascot that perpetuated a racial slur and another examining how Native American mascots are offensive and have no place in our society. Using Native Americans as sports mascots and our deeply meaningful symbols, including headdresses, is inappropriate. Advancing troubling stereotypes in popular culture and society via sports mascots diminishes our personhood.
“The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is hopeful that other sports franchises will make the right decision by ceasing their use of derogatory and offensive mascots, and thereby examining their own use of mascots, chants, symbols and themes that disparage our people.”
The team says their new name and logo will "enhance the standing of our proud, tradition rich franchise and inspire our sponsors, fans and community for the next 100 years."
