NFL Commissioner On Redskins: 'If One Person is Offended, We Have to Listen'

 

(CNSNews.com) - NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Wednesday the league should pay attention if even “one person” is offended by the team name Washington Redskins.

"We have to listen, if one person is offended we have to listen,” Goodell said while discussing the Redskins name on The Fan/WJFK-FM.

"Ultimately it is Dan’s (Dan Snyder, Redskins owner) decision," Goodell continued. " But it's something that I want all of us to go out and make sure we are listening to our fans and listening to people who have a different view.”

When asked about resistance to the Redskins name and certain sportswriters boycotting its use, Goodell said, “We are always sensitive to what impacts the league in general.”

“Again, we have to do everything that’s necessary to make sure that we’re representing the franchise in a positive way and that rich history and tradition, and if we are offending one person we need to be listening and making sure we are doing the right things in trying to address that,” Goodell said.

In June, Goodell responded to congressional lawmakers' criticisms of the Redskins name by writing a letter to Congress. In the letter, Goodell said the Redskins name represents "a unifying force that stands for strength, courage, pride and respect.”