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Obama questions 'Skins name

 
Published Oct. 5, 2013

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama said he would "think about changing" the Redskins' name if he owned the team as he waded into the controversy involving a word many consider offensive to Native Americans.

Obama, in an interview with the Associated Press conducted Friday and released Saturday, said team names such as Redskins offend "a sizable group of people."

"I don't know whether our attachment to a particular name should override the real legitimate concerns that people have about these things," he said.

Obama said he doesn't believe Redskins fans are trying to offend American Indians.

"I don't want to detract from the wonderful Redskins fans that are here," he said. "They love their team and rightly so."

But he came down on the side of those who have criticized the name, noting Indians "feel pretty strongly" about mascots and team names that depict negative stereotypes about their heritage.

Redskins owner Dan Snyder vows to never change the name.

Last month, commissioner Roger Goodell said the league should pay attention to those offended by the name, a slight change. He previously strongly supported the name.

Lanny Davis, an attorney for the Redskins, said the team's fans don't intend to "disparage or disrespect" anyone.

"The name 'Washington Redskins' is 80 years old. It's our history and legacy and tradition," he said in an emailed statement. "We Redskins fans sing Hail to the Redskins every Sunday as a word of honor, not disparagement."

Report: Bills work out a pair of quarterbacks

Quarterbacks Pat White and Dennis Dixon worked out for the Bills, according to media reports.

Starter EJ Manuel will miss a few weeks (an exact timetable has not been determined) with a sprained knee ligament sustained Thursday against Cleveland. Buffalo's only healthy quarterback is undrafted rookie Jeff Tuel.

White, an ex-West Virginia star, made the Redskins this season after spending two years playing baseball but was released Sept. 14. Dixon started three games for the Steelers from 2008-11 and none for the Ravens last season. The Eagles released him in August.

Falcons: Running back Steven Jackson was declared out for Monday, the third game he will miss with a hamstring injury.

Giants: Cornerback Aaron Ross went on injured reserve with a back injury sustained last week against the Chiefs. Ross, a first-round pick in 2007, started the past two games.

Jets: Santonio Holmes, who has a team-high 243 receiving yards, was declared out for Monday's game.

Patriots: Tight end Rob Gronkowski, who has not played this season after offseason surgeries on his back and forearm, did not travel to Cincinnati, espn.com reported. But receiver Danny Amendola, out since sustaining a groin injury in the season opener, did travel and is listed as questionable.

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Ravens: Receiver Brandon Stokley was released. He had nine catches for 79 yards.

Titans: With starting quarterback Jack Locker out with a sprained right hip and right knee, former Florida Atlanta star Rusty Smith was promoted from the practice squad to back up Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Suspended quartet back: Four players who missed the first four games for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy were added to their team's active roster: Jaguars receiver Justin Blackmon, Jets running back Mike Goodson, Giants safety Will Hill and Seahawks linebacker Bruce Irvin.

Shoe fine: Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch was fined $5,250 for wearing green shoes last week. Players must wear the same color as teammates.