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Diegnan Introduces Resolutions against Offensive and Derogatory Name of the Washington, D.C. Football team

(SOUTH PLAINFIELD) – Assemblyman Patrick J. Diegnan, Jr. (D-Middlesex) has introduced a package of Assembly resolutions that condemns and deems the Washington, D.C. National Football League team name as offensive and urging appropriate action by the National Football League, the Washington, D.C. football team as well as entities in the Garden State such as the New York Giants and New Jersey retailers.

“Words have meaning. The team name of the Washington, D.C. football club is an insult to Native Americans and reflects a bigotry which we don’t tolerate in New Jersey.” said Assemblyman Diegnan. “By now I would have expected the owners of the Washington franchise to find the decency to change the name to reflect the heritage and contributions of Native Americans to American life. Since that common sense result is not at hand, I am calling on the Giants and business owners in New Jersey to stand against racism and refuse to endorse and sell merchandise of this derogatory brand. Since respect and decency has not worked, maybe hurting them in their pocketbook will.”

The resolutions introduced are summarized as follows:

· AN ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION 176 calling on the National Football League and the owner of the Washington D.C. professional football team to change its name to one that reflects the heritage and contributions of Native Americans to American life.
· AN ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION 177 finding the team name of the Washington, D.C. National Football League team offensive and urging the Football Giants to refrain from selling any merchandise or using any advertising or promotional material that contains the offensive and derogatory name of the Washington, D.C. football team during their December 14th 2014 game.
· AN ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION 178 calling on retailers in New Jersey to voluntarily stop selling merchandise with the name or brand of the Washington, D.C. National Football League team.