Panel OKs 'Redskins' at Metrodome, Despite McCollum's Plea to Ban 'Hostile Racial Slur'

Use of the Washington Redskins team name and mascot won't be restricted at the Metrodome in Minneapolis when the Minnesota Vikings host Washington next month. 

That's the decision of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission (MSFA) Friday morning, according to reports from local media outlets including Minnesota Public Radio and WCCO-AM. 

The Washington, D.C. team name is "disparaging and demeaning brand" and the team mascot is an "unacceptable slur," U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum (DFL-MN), who represents Minnesota's Fourth District in Congress (including Stillwater, Woodbury, Oakdale and Roseville), wrote in a letter to the commission. 

McCollum reminded the commission of the Minnesotan whose name the Metrodome carries: 

"The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome is named in honor of the former Minneapolis mayor, U.S. Senator and Vice President of the United State who championed civil rights and anti-discrimination. The Metrodome is a publicly operated facility financed by Minnesota taxpayers. The State of Minnesota and the City of Minneapolis have legal obligations to ensure this facility is a workplace and a public venue that is welcoming to all Minnesotans, including Native Americans, and free from the public display or announcement of any racial slur." 

Minnesota Vikings official Lester Bagley told the commission Friday, "We are one of 32 teams. ... We will proceed as usual" until the NFL says otherwise, according to a tweet by MPR reporter Tim Nelson, who also reported that MSFA chair Michele Kelm-Helgen said the authority would take no action regarding the Washington team name and mascot. 

Related at Patch: 

• NFL Commissioner Responds to Rep. McCollum's Redskins Letter
• Rep. McCollum Urges NFL's Redskins to Change Nickname
• McCollum Renews Call for Redskins to Change Name