VERONA, N.Y. (AP) — Ray Halbritter of the Oneida Indian Nation didn’t start the movement to change the name of the Washington Redskins, but the upstate New York tribal leader is turning up the heat.
Halbritter is emerging as a leader in the effort with the tribe’s “Change the Mascot” campaign. He heads a tribal delegation that is meeting in New York City with NFL executives Wednesday.
While the Oneida Indian Nation’s land is 300 miles north of the Redskins’ home field in Maryland, Halbritter says the name is a racial slur to all Indians.
The team was already facing criticism when the Oneidas entered the fray this season with radio ads and a symposium in Washington.
Redskins owner Dan Snyder has said the name won’t be changed.
