U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) issued the following statement today on the decision by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to cancel the Washington, D.C. football team's trademark registration:
"The U.S. Patent Office took a positive step today toward the goal of changing the Washington, D.C. football team's name. Racism and bigotry have no place in professional sports. Our tribal communities have always enhanced New Mexico's rich culture and traditions. It's past time for the football team to change its name."
Last month, Senator Heinrich along with several of his colleagues in the U.S. Senate called on the National Football League (NFL) to formally endorse a name change of the Washington franchise, in a letter sent to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.