A large gathering of protestors greeted fans and media as they entered TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis earlier today before their game against the Minnesota Vikings.
This is the scene of the largest ever physical gathering against the Wash. NFL team. #ChangetheMascot #changethename pic.twitter.com/fgArwXzQ69
— Mike Wise (@MikeWiseguy) November 2, 2014
It has been estimated by organizers that approximately 5,000 people took part in the protest today. Former Minnesota Vikings Pro Bowl strong safety Joey Browner, who has Native American ancestry, was one of those who participated, at one time taking the microphone to address the crowd:
“We’re not mascots! As a former player I feel really sad right now. … This is still standing in front of us.” – former NFL player Joey Browner
Browner reportedly later referred to the Redskins name as “a bullying tactic”
‘Who are we? Not your mascot!’ thousands of Native Americans chant at Redskins/Vikings game http://t.co/uPvTJFDsQV via @johnwoodrowcox — Lynda Robinson (@WPLyndaRobinson) November 2, 2014
Earlier in the season the University of Minnesota, where the game was being played today, voiced their opposition to the Redskins name even going as far as saying they would not permit references to the name inside the stadium or on tickets and asked the team to wear logo-less throwbacks. Ultimately the decision was left to the Vikings who abided by the policies of the National Football League.
So @greggdeal had a moment in the sun. “They don’t know how to honor us. We honor ourselves today.” #changethename pic.twitter.com/c2qsrhqRTc
— Mike Wise (@MikeWiseguy) November 2, 2014
By the way, Minnesota ended up winning the game 29-26
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