Dan Snyder May Have Finally Met His Match in Fight to Keep Redskins Name

Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder has been steadfast in his refusal not to change the name of his franchise. It hasn't mattered how many members of Congress have told him the name is derogatory. Writers and announcers can refuse to use it. He doesn't care. No marketing campaign is going to sway him or issues with the trademark either.He insists that it is not, and that he will never change it.

However, the latest opponent to get in his way may be one that he can't overcome--the Associated Press style book.

via Twitter

AP stylebook review committee is discussing whether Redskins should be considered an offensive term. If they decide it is the word will no longer be used in official AP stories. Should this happen Snyder might as well change the name because he will never see it in print again. 

It will not be just AP reports that will cut it out. Just about any and every paper and periodical follows the AP stylebook. Most websites even go  by the book. It is the equivalent to the bible for journalists. So if it says do not use the word Redskins then no one will use it.

This would not exactly be a death blow to the name, but it would be pretty darn close. There are few news outlets that do not follow the AP book. It will still pop up in a few places, but not many. Just because the media doesn't use it does not mean he should change it. 

Fans will still know it and use it. Merchandise will still bear the name and it will appear on every game broadcast. The question Snyder will have to answer for himself is whether that is enough or if he should finally change it. 

After all, what's the point in a name that no one uses.

[CBSLocal]

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