Costas Calls Redskin Name an Insult

Sports anchor Bob Costas used his platform during Sunday night’s Redskins-Cowboys game to speak up, and out, against the nickname. He called it an “insult, a slur.”

Think for a moment about the term ‘Redskins,’ and how it truly differs from all the others,” Costas said. “Ask yourself what the equivalent would be if directed towards African Americans, Hispanics, Asians or any other ethnic group. When considered that way, ‘Redskins’ can’t possibly honor a heritage or noble character trait, nor can it possibly be considered a neutral term. It’s an insult, a slur, no matter how benign the present day intent.”

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says he believes Washington owner Daniel Snyder is "way down the road" in consideration of whether the team should change its nickname.

Goodell got a question about the latest debate over the name during a question-and-answer session with Dallas season ticket-holders before the Cowboys' game Sunday night against the Redskins.

The commissioner says he knows Snyder "feels strongly" about keeping the name but "wants to do the right thing."

A small group of protesters gathered near the Cowboys' stadium hours before the game.

The Redskinswere playing for the first time since President Barack Obama reignited the debate by saying he would "think about changing" it if he were the team's owner.