The Washington Redskins likely will have a new name ahead of the 2020 season, and while fans have their ideas of what the team name should be, one prominent figure is putting the cards on the table for Dan Snyder.
The Generals, Presidents, Lincolns, Americans and Kings are among the names that have the best odds to be Washington’s new nickname, but it appears one is garnering more attention than others.
The parent company of the Harlem Globetrotters would “love” for Washington to purchase the rights to the Generals name, according to Action Network’s Darren Rovell. The Generals name has been used in multiple variations for the Globetrotters’ opponent since 1952.
Herschend Family Entertainment (HFE) owns the trademark for both the Globetrotters and Generals and recently revived the Gens from a two-year hiatus to play against Harlem. Even after the reviving, HFE still would be open to hearing an offer from Washington’s NFL team.
All signs are pointing towards the Redskins name being changed, and while it hasn’t been confirmed, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that he expects the team name to be changed before the season begins.
While the Generals name is gaining momentum, Washington quarterback Dwayne Haskins supported the idea of calling the team the “Redtails,” which has been widely popular among fans.
While “Redtails” is popular, it isn’t included on the list of odds released by BetOnline.ag to be Washington’s new team name. Some interesting choices that did make the list include the “Jeffersons” and “Roosevelts.”
Washington changed its name from the Braves to Redskins in 1933 and has been the subject of protests by Native-American groups and others for the past 40 years. Snyder has for years refused a name change despite several different court battles.
A 2019 poll of Native Americans showed that a majority found the team name offensive, according to USA Today, but Snyder originally claimed he’d “never” change the name.
Before announcing a thorough review of the team name, Washington recently removed a statue dedicated to its former owner, George Preston Marshall, at RFK Stadium and cited his racist policies of not signing black players for decades.
The team played at RFK Stadium from 1961 to 1996.
