Report: Walmart, Target, Dick's pull Redskins items amid pressure for team to change name
WASHINGTON (ABC7) — Major retailers Walmart, Target, and Dick's Sporting Goods have pulled Washington Redskins merchandise from their online sites as pressure mounts from companies, corporate sponsors, and others for the franchise to change its name.
Dick's Sporting Goods has not commented publicly on their decision to remove the team's apparel, but Target said that it was in the process of removing the team's items from their assortment, according to CNN.
"Given today's announcement by the NFL and the Washington team's ownership, we are discontinuing the sale of items that reference the team's name and logo," Walmart tweeted.
RELATED: FedEx asks 'team in Washington' to change name; NIKE drops 'Redskins' gear from website
Nike appeared to remove all Redskins gear from its online store last week. The other 31 NFL teams were listed and a search for "Redskins" came up with no results. Nike did not immediately respond to an email message seeking comment.
The team's name is widely considered a racial slur against Native Americans and the team stated that it would conduct a thorough review of the name.
FedEx, the title sponsor of the team's stadium in Landover, Maryland, released a statement last week requesting that Washington change the name. The company paid the team $205 million in 1999 for the naming rights to FedEx Field.
RELATED: Debate on racism renews calls for 'Redskins' to change name
Last week, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said the team's name remains an obstacle for Washington's pro football team to build a new stadium and team headquarters in the District.
RELATED: 'Not everybody knows this, but I am a Native American': Former Redskins talk name change
Former Redskins players also weighed in on the team possibly changing its name including former quarterback Mark Rypien who said "it will be emotional" and that he wants the process to play out.
New head coach Ron Rivera said on a Chicago radio station "I have my beliefs, I know what I think and I support the movements and support the players. I believe in what they're doing, and again, I think that there are certain elements to certain things that it's all about the timing and the best time to discuss those things."
Owner Dan Snyder has maintained his stance on keeping the name calling it a "badge of honor."
