Leverage point: Redskins want public money for new stadium, but not enough to change name?

The Washington Redskins want public money for a new stadium to replace their, eh, well, not exactly old stadium at FedEx Field. Which is another thing that is wrong with sports for another day. But today, the thing wrong with sports in regard to this story is that the team wants public money with no strings attached related to the controversial team nickname.

“No.”

That was the short answer from Redskins general manager Bruce Allen to a reporter question about management’s willingness to consider a name change in exchange for public money to go toward a new stadium.

Which, you have to assume, means no new home for the Redskins for the foreseeable future. It’s hard to imagine either Virginia or Maryland ponying up the money for new digs, and with limited options in the District, there’s little if any wiggle room.

It’s all probably for the public good. Billionaire team owners can build their own stadiums anyway. Then they don’t have to concern themselves with public input on the nomenclature they want to associate with their operations.

– Story by Chris Graham