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WASHINGTON (AP) — Eleanor Holmes Norton, the District of Columbia's delegate to Congress, introduced a bill that would lift the NFL's antitrust exemption if the Washington Redskins do not change their nickname.
In a news release issued Thursday, Norton was quoted as saying Washington "should always be associated with pride, not with a moniker that mocks and insults Native Americans."
Legislation from the non-voting Democratic delegate stands little to no chance of being passed by the Republican-led House.
In 2013, Norton and nine other members of Congress urged a nickname change in letters sent to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Redskins owner Daniel Snyder, and the league's 31 other teams.
A statement sent by Redskins spokesman Tony Wyllie on Thursday said: "We disagree with Ms. Norton's opposition to the Washington Redskins name. More than 85 percent of Ms. Norton's constituents disagree as well, as recent polls have shown."
NFL spokesmen did not immediately respond to requests for comment Thursday.
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