Washington Redskins name change discussed in D.C. council proposal

WASHINGTON It is not the first time someone has suggested the Washington Redskins change their mascot.

In January, Washington, D.C. mayor Vincent Gray gave the team an ultimatum that said if the team ever wants to relocate inside city limits, it would have to change its name.

With Gray's support, lifelong D.C. resident, Washington Redskins fan and now D.C city council member David Grosso is circulating a proposal that would change the "derogatory" and "racist" name to the Redtails.

Past debates about a Redskins name change have died in determining what would be an appropriate name for the team. Grosso is pushing for "Redtails," a nickname used by the Tuskegee Airmen and a type of hawk native to the D.C. area.

“It’s been a long time that we’ve had this name associated with Washington, and I think its time we take a stand and change it,” Grosso told the Washington Post.

General manager Bruce Allen said last year that he was proud of the team’s history and that he didn’t find anything offensive about the name.

Grosso said that his idea is a way to keep Redskins traditions alive without any racial reference.

“You can still sing the song and everything,” said Grosso, referring to the famous "Hail to the Redskins" fight song. He also made reference to the logo: “You can still keep the feather.”

Grosso said he is open to other suggestions, and that he just wants the name changed. He has the support of eight of the council's 13 members so far.

If passed, the bill would force the Washington football team to stop using its trademarked name and ban its use in any future trademarks.