In a surprising move Friday, the FedEx Corporation has requested that the Washington Redskins distance themselves from their team moniker.
This was first reported from JP Finlay, of NBC Sports Washington.
FedEx has asked the Redskins to change their name. This is a massive move. FedEx has major sponsorships with the Redskins including naming rights to the stadium
“We have communicated to the team in Washington our request that they change the team name.“
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) July 2, 2020
The most intriguing component of this name change, is the direct correlation to the team. For one, the Redskins play in Landover, Maryland and the team stadium dons the title FedEx Field. But also, one of the team’s minority owners, Fred Smith, is the chairman, president and CEO of the FedEx corporation.
Why is FedEx asking the Redskins to change their name such a huge deal? FedEx CEO Fred Smith is also a minority owner in the Redskins. pic.twitter.com/pDDRbPmxYC
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) July 2, 2020
The team name has been contested over the years, reaching a critical point in 2014, where those advocating for a name change were at an uproar. The Redskins nickname was even brought up and discussed at the federal level, where the moniker was debated among the Supreme Court. At the time, the team name was protected under the first amendment and freedom of speech while branding.
Yesterday, over 80 investors signed a proposal requesting for the team to change the team’s mascot as well. The most notable among them were Nike and Pepsi Co.
Team owner Dan Snyder has been adamant in his stance against changing the team name. Even sharing with Erik Brady of USA Today, “We’ll never change the name. It’s that simple. NEVER—you can use caps” during an interview in 2013.
However, this is the first time in his tenure, when minority investors in the team have outwardly spoken against him. It will be interesting as to what transpires next.
Full Press Coverage will add additional information to this story, when it unfolds.
