Owner wants those opposed to 'Redskins' to 'try to respect' what it means to team, fans

Verlin Deer In Water, a member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma shows his t-shirt during an interview in Washington, Monday, Oct. 7, 2013, calling for the Washington Redskins NFL football team to change its name, prior to the start of the Oneida Indian Nation's Change the Mascot symposium. During an interview, President Barack Obama suggested that the owner of the Washington Redskins football team consider changing its name because, the president said, the current name offends "a sizable group of people." (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) (The Associated Press)

ASHBURN, Va. – Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder says he hopes those offended by the team's nickname will "try to respect what the name means" to the team, its fans and some Native Americans.

Snyder addressed the matter Wednesday in a letter to season-ticket holders. He cites polls and anecdotal evidence that indicate support for the name from American Indians.

Snyder says he respects the opinions of those want the name changed, but he says the team can't ignore its history.

Says Snyder: "After 81 years, the team name 'Redskins' continues to hold the memories and meaning of where we came from, who we are, and who we want to be in the years to come."

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