Oneida tells NFL to sanction Snyder
Unable to sway Redskins owner Daniel Snyder to change his team’s name, representatives of the Oneida Indian Nation on Wednesday called upon the NFL to sanction Snyder for his continued use of a nickname and team mascot that “promote a dictionary-defined racial slur,” according to ESPN.com.
Oneida officials did not seem optimistic of any change after a 90-minute meeting with three senior NFLofficials. Commissioner Roger Goodell was traveling and unable to attend.
“(The NFL officials) defended the use of a racist name,” Oneida spokesman Joel Barkin said.
The Oneida representatives asked for a meeting of all NFLteamownersduring the week leading up to the Super Bowl, as well as have Snyder and Goodell visit the nation’s homeland in upstate New York.
“We are very disappointed,” Barkin said. “They don’t have a complete appreciation for the breadth of opposition of Native Americans to this mascot and name.”
Goodell and Snyder met Tuesday to discuss the issue. The Washington Post reported that Snyder told Goodell he will not change the nickname. Martin leaves Dolphins: Tackle Jonathan Martin left the Dolphins this week after having an “emotional breakdown” and is doubtful to play Thursday against the Bengals, NFL.com reported. Martin, listed with illness on the injury report, was the victim of a prank at the team cafeteria, Fox Sports reported. After the prank, an upset Martin smashed his food tray on the ground, Fox reported. Tyson Clabo is expected to start Thursday. Line: Bengals by 3 Over/under: 43 The wheels have come off for the Dolphins, who have lost four in a row after a 3-0 start. Ryan Tannehill has 10 turnovers during the losing streak. The Bengals are rolling, especially in the passing game. Extra points: Adhering to an agreement with prosecutors in his weapons case, 49ers LB Aldon Smith surrendered to authorities Tuesday, then was freed on $75,000 bail. Smith, 24, was booked at the Santa Clara County (Calif.) jail on three felony counts of illegally possessing an assault weapon. Smith is on leave from the 49ers and enrolled in a substance-abuse rehab program. He had been expected to surrender per a deal whenthe charges were filed Oct. 9.... The Bengals placed S Taylor Mays (shoulder) on injured reserve. LB Rey Maualuga (knee, concussion) is unlikely to play Thursday. ... Eagles QB Nick Foles, cleared Monday to return from a concussion, will start Sunday against the Raiders. Rookie Matt Barkley will be his backup because Michael Vick (hamstring) will not play. ... The Ravens cut S Michael Huff and DE Marcus Spears. ... The 49ers activated DT Tank Carradine, a second-round pick, from the reserve/nonfootball injury list. ... The Seahawks placed WR Sidney Rice (knee) on IR.