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Letters signed by 50 U.S. senators urging the league to change the Washington Redskins' name were sent on Thursday to NFL commissioner and Bronxville resident Roger Goodell.
The senators draw a parallel between the NBA's no-tolerance policy regarding the racist comments made by Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling and asks the NFL to act similarly.
"Today, we urge you and the National Football League to send the same clear message as the NBA did: that racism and bigotry have no place in professional sports," the senators wrote. "It's time for the NFL to endorse a name change for the Washington, D.C., football team.
"The despicable comments made by Mr. Sterling have opened up a national conversation about race relations. We believe this conversation is an opportunity for the NFL to take action to remove the racial slur from the name of one of its marquee franchises."
At LaDuca Auto Service in Pleasantville, Paul Lauria said he thought the name should be changed.
"It's a racist term," Laura said. "It refers to Indians in a derogatory way."
Kyle Thomas said he didn't think changing the nickname would be a big deal.
"It doesn't matter what a team's name is," Thomas said. "There are guns who run around calling themselves the Hornets. What's the difference? Anytime a team changes its name or logo, it's just a cash grab for merchandise."
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