Redskins Owner Dan Snyder last night announced that he will "start a foundation to benefit Native Americans," according to Mike Jones of the WASHINGTON POST. Snyder in a "four-page letter" posted on the Redskins website, said that his "decision to create the Washington Redskins Original Americans Foundation was the result of four months of research into what Native Americans thought of the Redskins nickname and logo, including visits by Snyder and his staff to 26 Indian reservations in 20 states." He wrote, "In speaking face-to-face with Native American leaders and community members, it’s plain to see they need action, not words." Snyder’s announcement "drew criticism from the Oneida Indian Nation, a New York tribe that has emerged as one of the most vocal opponents" to the Redskins name. Snyder in the letter wrote that the Redskins "have already donated more than 3,000 coats to several tribes, as well as shoes to boys’ and girls’ basketball teams on reservations, and that the franchise helped purchase a backhoe for the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska." He wrote that "another 40 projects also are underway to improve the conditions of a number of tribes" (WASHINGTON POST, 3/25). ESPN.com's John Keim wrote this is the "latest chapter in the battle over the Redskins nickname." NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell yesterday at the owners meetings said, "We have, I think, done a very thorough job of making sure that we understand all perspectives on this and we will continue to do that" (ESPN.com, 3/24).
