#Redskins undergoing ‘thorough review’ of team’s name after calls for change

The Redskins may be trailing late in the fourth quarter in their fight to keep their name.

Facing mounting pressure to change the franchise’s moniker, the organization said Friday it will “undergo a thorough review of the team’s name.”

“This review formalizes the initial discussions the team has been having with the league in recent weeks,” the team said in a statement.

The heat was turned up Thursday when FedEx — which has its brand on the team’s stadium, FedEx Field — became the latest company to communicate its request for Washington to change its team name. Recent pressure from investors and shareholders only added to the longstanding call from fans and Native American groups who have opposed the franchise’s name  and logothat they believe to be racist.

Owner Dan Snyder has refused past calls for change, claiming the team’s name was a “badge of honor.” But now he may be changing his tune.

“This process allows the team to take into account not only the proud tradition and history of the franchise but also input from our alumni, the organization, sponsors, the National Football League and the local community it is proud to represent on and off the field,” Snyder said in a statement.

New coach Ron Rivera also voiced his support for a review of the name, only days after declining to take an opinion on it during a local radio interview.

“This issue is of personal importance to me and I look forward to working closely with Dan Snyder to make sure we continue the mission of honoring and supporting Native Americans and our Military.”

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell added that the talks have been ongoing.

“In the last few weeks we have had ongoing discussions with Dan and we are supportive of this important step,” he said in a statement.