National Football League

ESPN will not ban use of 'Redskins' during telecasts

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 9:57 p.m. ET

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WASHINGTON  -- On the heels of  the Washington Post saying it will stop calling Washington's football team the "Redskins" on its editorial page, ESPN announced it will allow announcers to choose whether or not to use the name.

ESPN issued a statement Saturday:

"Our consistent company policy will continue: using official names and marks as presented by the teams, leagues and conferences we cover. We do, however, recognize the debate over the use of 'Washington Redskins' and have afforded individuals the opportunity to decide how they will use those words when reporting on the team."

 The paper's editorial board announced Friday that it will refrain from using the term that it says "unquestionably offends not only many Native Americans but many other Americans, too."

The board operates independently of the paper's newsgathering operation. The Post will continue to use "Redskins" in the news and sports sections.

Several major newspapers have stopped using the name altogether. CBS lead analyst Phil Simms said this week he will likely avoid the name when he announces a Washington game this season.

-The Associated Press contributed to this report

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