WASHINGTON – The Washington Redskins asked Twitter followers to show their support for the team’s controversial name by tweeting at Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid Thursday.
The Twitterverse responded – just not how the Redskins were hoping.
The response has been overwhelmingly in support of changing the name, which is considered a racial slur.
The Redskins have not returned calls seeking comment.
Reid was among the Senate Democrats who signed onto a letter asking owner Dan Snyder to change the name last week.
“We as a group over here were collectively impressed and surprised that there were so many folks who quickly galvanized in opposition,” says Faiz Shakir, Reid’s digital director. “It was loud and clear that the name is offensive to them. And I hope it urges the team to reflect on that a little bit.”
Tweet @SenatorReid to show your #RedskinsPride and tell him what the team means to you.
— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) May 29, 2014
@Redskins @SenatorReid Redskin http://t.co/n7CewYK1Mq There is no pride in keeping the name of bigotry
— Chris Hamilton (@dteg32) May 29, 2014
@Redskins @SenatorReid Don't change the name, change the logo! pic.twitter.com/dG4P0POkNy
— Josh Rutherford (@WrittenByJosh) May 29, 2014
@SenatorReid @Redskins #HTTR for life and they will never change their name
— Jacob (@Hystericzz) May 29, 2014
Owner Dan Snyder has repeatedly said he won’t change the team name.
Here is a live, unfiltered feed of what’s being said:
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WTOP’s Andrew Mollenbeck contributed to this report. Follow @WTOP on Twitter and on Facebook.
