Redskins coach Ron Rivera is in favor of the franchise changing its name.
In an interview with The Washington Post, Rivera said it “would be awesome” if Washington can do it in time for the 2020 season. Rivera said him and owner Dan Snyder have been discussing the possibility for the past month or so.
“We came up with a couple of names — two of them I really like,” Rivera said.
On Friday, the Redskins announced it will conduct a “thorough review” of their name. The decision came after weeks of renewed pressure from activists to do so, including corporate sponsors like FedEx and Nike taking action.
FedEx, which owns the naming rights to the team’s stadium, said it had asked Washington to make a change, while Nike removed all of the Redskins’ gear from its website.
Rivera said he wants to make sure the franchise’s new name isn’t a “joke,” adding he wants it to be respectful toward American Indians and the military.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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