(MENAFN- Gulf Times) The Washington Redskins on Wednesday denied that they were changing their name in a statement responding to 'fraudulent websites that said the moniker some find offensive would go.
'This morning, the Redskins organisation was made aware of fraudulent websites about our team name, the NFL franchise said in a statement. 'The name of the team is the Washington Redskins and will remain that for the future.
The Washington Post reported that an alliance of American Indian activists launched several online web pages disguised as news outlets falsely claiming the team had bowed to pressure and changed their name to the Redhawks.
At least five web pages some of them mimicking legitimate sports news sites such as ESPN.com and Bleacher Report and a Twitter account were included in the campaign, and the links were widely shared on social media.
Rebecca Nagle, co-director of the National Indigenous Women's Resource Center and one of the organisers of the campaign, told USA Today that the goal was to 'draw attention to reaffirm that there's an overwhelming mountain of evidence that the name is offensive and is harmful to Native American people.
The US capital's NFL club has come under fire in recent years for its reluctance to consider changing the name that many feel is a racial slur toward Native Americans. Redskins' owner Dan Snyder, who has refused to consider changing the nickname, insists it's a tribute to Native Americans.
Goodell to retire at end of contract in 2024
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who signed a five-year contract extension last week, intends to retire at the completion of his new deal in 2024.
Spokesman Joe Lockhart, the NFL's executive vice president of communications and public affairs, confirmed at league winter meeting in Irving, Texas, on Wednesday.
'The commissioner has been clear he views this as his final contract, Lockhart said.
The 58-year-old Goodell plans to work with NFL owners to identify and have his successor in place by the time he steps away in seven years, Lockhart said.
Goodell signed the extension, which runs through March 2024, last Wednesday. His annual compensation will be under $10 million, but the yearly pay could hit $40 million if he reaches incentives, most of which are tied to the league's overall revenue, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported.
According to ESPN, the five-year deal could be worth twice as much annually as the first 10 years that Goodell was commissioner, during which he made $212.5 million.
Coach unsure if Peterson will play again this season
Arizona Cardinals coach Bruce Arians says he has 'no idea whether veteran running back Adrian Peterson will play again this season. Peterson has missed the past two games with a neck injury and seems likely to miss Sunday's match-up against the Washington Redskins. The 32-year-old rusher was acquired by the Cardinals in a trade with New Orleans in October but has shown only flashes of the explosiveness that made him a seven-times Pro Bowler with the Minnesota Vikings.
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