Minn. politicians criticize Redskins’ name ahead of game against Vikings

By The Associated Press
November 07 2013 01:21 PM

CP25857229 — Several hundred American Indians and their supporters gather outside the Metrodome to protest the Washington Redskins\' name, prior to an NFL football game between the Redskins and the Minnesota Vikings, Thursday, Nov. 7, 2013, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

MINNEAPOLIS – Minnesota’s governor and the mayor of Minneapolis both say the Washington Redskins should change the team’s name.

The Minnesota Vikings play Washington on Thursday evening.

Gov. Mark Dayton was asked about the Redskins’ nickname at a Thursday morning news conference. He called it “racist” and suggested every member of Congress should boycott the team to put pressure on its owners.

Also Thursday, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak released a statement saying the name disrespects indigenous people. Six members of the Minneapolis City Council had recently sent a letter to the team’s owner and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell calling the nickname and team mascot racist.

American Indian activists and others plan a demonstration Thursday night outside the Metrodome.

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