Eni Faleomavaega: “Last year, nine Members of this House and I sent a letter to the National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell, to…”

“Last year, nine Members of this House and I sent a letter to the National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell, to the Washington, D.C., franchise owner, Dan Snyder, and to the owners of the other 31 National Football League franchises urging an end to the use of the term ``redskins'' as an NFL franchise name because it is derogatory, it is demeaning, and patently offensive to Native American Indians. While Mr. Snyder did not respond, Mr. Goodell did so in a dismissive manner, calling this racial slur ``a unifying force that stands for strength, courage, pride, and respect.'' Mr. Speaker, give me a break. Last week, 50 Senators joined our effort and also sent a letter to the NFL. Mr. Goodell did not respond, but Bruce Allen of the Washington franchise did respond in a dismissive manner, stating that ``redskins'' is not a derogatory word and claiming that it actually honors Native Americans. Mr. Speaker, shame on Mr. Allen, shame on Mr. Goodell, and shame on Mr. Snyder for suggesting that ``redskins'' is a name of honor when, according to Native Americans, it is ``the worst thing in the English language you can be called if you are a Native person.'' Mr. Snyder, Mr. Goodell, and Mr. Allen have escaped the public lashing that Don Sterling received just weeks ago for his racist remarks on African Americans who play basketball.…”