The Washington Redskins issued a scathing response Tuesday to lawmakers who have called for the NFL team to change their name.
On Monday, Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.) sent a letter to commissioner Roger Goodell, saying the league is on the "wrong side of history" and contending the Redskins' name is "an insult to Native Americans," the Seattle Times reported.
FILE - In this Nov. 25, 2013, file photo, Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III is sacked by San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith during an NFL football game in Landover, Md. Smith appreciates these playoffs a little more. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)
On Tuesday, the Redskins hit back.
“Senator Cantwell should be aware that there are many challenges facing Native Americans, including an extremely cold winter with high energy bills, high unemployment, life threatening health problems, inadequate education and many other issues more pressing than the name of a football team which has received strong support from Native Americans,” a statement released by the team said, according to Fox News.
[sharequote align="center"]“Surely, with all the issues Congress is supposed to work on...the Senator must have more important things to do."[/sharequote]
“Surely, with all the issues Congress is supposed to work on such as the economy, jobs, war and health care, the Senator must have more important things to do,” it reportedly added.
According to Fox News, an NFL spokesman said the league will also respond to the lawmakers' letter in an "appropriate manner."
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