
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, August 3, 1993                   TAG: 9308030065
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: From Associated Press reports
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

SENATOR OBJECTS TO NEW STADIUM FOR `REDSKINS'

The only native American in the U.S. Senate has introduced a bill that would prohibit the Washington Redskins from building their new stadium unless owner Jack Kent Cooke agrees to change the team's name.

"The name `Redskins' is highly offensive to native Americans because it conjures up bad stereotypical images of Indians," said Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell, D-Colo.

"Since Mr. Cooke has steadfastly refused to change the name of the team and he wants to build his new stadium on federally controlled land, we want to have some say as to what conditions will be imposed on its tenants."

Cooke is negotiating to build a $205 million, 78,600-seat stadium on what a federally owned parking lot next to RFK Stadium, the Redskins' home since 1961. The talks have been stalled for about six months over what city officials say is the length of the lease.

RFK has the smallest seating capacity in the NFL and does not have luxury suites.

Campbell says he is a fan of the Redskins, but not their name.

"I want people to understand that I am very supportive of the team and the athletes who play for it," he said. "But there is no way that the federal government should give its permission for the project to an owner whose very refusal to entertain any change shows his cultural insensitivity."

Cooke has repeatedly said he would not change the nickname, saying "there is nothing in the world" wrong with it.

Team officials have said the term "Redskins" is a tribute to the courage and strength of American Indians.

Keywords:
FOOTBALL

by CNB