50 US Senators to NFL: Change Redskins’ Racist Name

Half of the U.S. Senate says it's time to change the name of the Washington Redskins.

Forty-nine Democratic senators wrote NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on Thursday. They say racism and bigotry do not belong in professional sports. The lawmakers say the NBA set a good example by banning L.A. Clippers owner Donald Sterling for life after he was recorded making racist comments about blacks.

The senators' letter never actually mentions the word "Redskins." But it says the team name is nothing short of a racial slur.

Florida Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson wrote his own letter to Goodell requesting the change.

Redskins owner Daniel Snyder has long refused to change the team's name.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.