Oneida spokesman rips NFL for scheduling Redskins game in London

Scott Ridge

Oneida spokesman rips NFL for scheduling Redskins game in London image

A spokesman for Oneida Indian Nation is livid with the NFL for its decision to schedule a Redskins game in London next season.

Via CBS Sports, "At a time when the United States is desperately trying to fortify its international relationships, the NFL has decided to go on the world stage and promote an ugly racial epithet slurring indigenous people all over the world,” Ray Halbritter said in a statement. "This is not only offensive, but also at odds with American interests across the globe at this critical time. We need to show respect to our foreign allies — the NFL choosing to slur people of color at a high-profile international event does the opposite.”

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The Redskins and Bengals will play Oct. 30, 2016 at Wembley Stadium. It’s possible Washington will play twice in England next season depending where it finishes the season in the NFC East.

"The NFL is a $9 billion-a-year enterprise that plays a critical role in shaping the perceptions and views of millions of fans in America and around the globe, that is why in 2014, the United Nations Special Rapporteur called the Washington NFL team name offensive and encouraged the team to change the team name," Halbritter said. "If the NFL wants to be a global brand that contributes to the positive image of the United States across the world, it should not be choosing to send a team represented by a racial slur to London."

Scott Ridge