WASHINGTON -- Commissioner Roger Goodell said Wednesday that the NFL should pay attention to those offended by the Washington Redskins nickname. "If we are offending one person, we need to be listening," Goodell said Wednesday in an interview with 106.7 The Fan, "and making sure that were doing the right things to try to address that." It was a subtle change in position for Goodell, who had more strongly supported the nickname in his previous statements this year. Goodell, who grew up in Washington and was a Redskins fan, said it was team owner Dan Snyders decision as to whether the name will be changed. "But," Goodell added, "it is something that I want all of us to go out and make sure were listening to our fans, listening to people who have a different view, and making sure that we continue to do whats right to make sure that team represents the strong tradition and history that it has for so many years." Snyder has vowed to never change the name, but momentum for a switch has been growing this year. The name was attacked as racist at a high-profile symposium at the Smithsonian. High schools that use the nickname have come under increasing pressure to change it. A Native American tribe in upstate New York ran a radio ad campaign against the name leading up to Monday nights season-opener. Another group of American Indians is planning a protest during Washingtons game at Green Bay on Sunday. Some media outlets have stopped using "Redskins." The name is also the subject of a long-running legal challenge from a group of Native Americans seeking to have the team lose its federal trademark protection. Ten members of Congress recently wrote Goodell asking that the name be changed. At the time, Goodell responded by calling the name a "unifying force that stands for strength, courage, pride and respect." At the Super Bowl in January, Goodell deflected a question on the controversy by saying: "I think Dan Snyder and the organization have made it very clear that theyre proud of that heritage and that name, and I believe fans are, too." On Wednesday, Goodell said: "I know the team name is part of their history and tradition, and thats something thats important to the Redskins fans. And I think what we have to do, though, is we have to listen." The Redskins had no comment Wednesday on Goodells remarks. .During the week, McCoy told reporters he respected Hoyer for his intelligence, athleticism and how he conducts himself on and off the field. This wasnt an act, some attempt at psyching out Hoyer. .com) - John Wall supplied 24 points and 11 assists in leading the Washington Wizards to a 102-91 win over the New York Knicks on Christmas Day.
http://www.officialcarolinapanthersfoot ... y-womens.J. -- Pitcher Carl Pavano is retiring after 14 major league seasons. . - Andrew McCutchen went 4 for 5 and finished a home run short of a cycle, and Jordy Mercer drove in a career-high four runs to lead the Pittsburgh Pirates to an 8-2 rout of the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday. . -- With the Memphis Grizzlies struggling to find their offensive rhythm, O.Kris Russell could be sticking around in Calgary. TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie tweeted that its believed the Flames are working towards a new contract with the defenceman. The deal isnt complete yet but McKenzie said it is headingg in that direction.dddddddddddd Russell, a pending unrestricted free agent, has four goals and 19 points in 41 games with the Flames this season. In eight seasons the former third-round pick has 27 goals and 114 points. ' ' '
