GM: Redskins won't change their name

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WASHINGTON, Feb. 15 (UPI) -- General Manager Bruce Allen said the Washington Redskins are proud of their name and have no intention of changing it despite increased criticism.

A long-running controversy over the team's nickname is resurfacing due to next month's hearing on a lawsuit to strip the name of federal trademark protection, The Washington Times reported Thursday.

"We represent an iconic sports franchise that's 81-years-old, that involves millions of fans worldwide, that has thousands of alumni," Allen said. "It's ludicrous to think in any way that we're trying to upset anybody."

Several groups, including the National Congress of American Indians, have publicly criticized the team's name.

"There's nothing we feel that is offensive, and we're proud of our history," Allen said.