RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) -- The Redskins' name has recently been criticized for being offensive to Native Americans. Local leaders in Washington have gotten involved and are calling for a name change.
The debacle over the name even has some fans upset. Aucet Wilson is a dedicated Redskins fan, but thinks the name has got to go.
"If you look it up in a dictionary, it has a negative connotation to it,” Wilson says.
The name has stirred up enough controversy to get the resident's attention. In a recent interview with the Associated Press, President Obama said that if he owned the team he would consider a name change.
Nationwide, people are contributing to the conversation of a Redskins name change. The NFL's Commissioner has publicly stated that the league should listen to the criticism.
Native American leaders applauded the president's stance on the issue and are calling for the NFL to end its use of a racial slur as a it's mascot.
"As the first sitting President to speak out against the Washington team name, President Obama's comments are truly historic,” said Ray Halbritter of the Oneida Indian Nation Representative.
Others disagree completely, saying the name is far from any inappropriate associations.
"I don't understand why Native Americans would consider a football team call the Redskins to be offensive because it's not a team directed at the Native Americans,” said Jamie Williams.
And while this controversy is far from over, Aucet Wilson has brainstormed up a better idea for the Redskins.
"The Washington Warriors would be a really good name for the team - if they ask me,” said Wilson.
