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Redskins name could cost NFL tax exempt status

Posted at 10:53 PM, Sep 16, 2014
and last updated 2014-09-16 23:19:47-04

While many headlines regarding the NFL are criticizing the league and its players over domestic abuse cases, the NFL might soon have a whole new issue on its hands.

As reported by The Washington Post, Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., backed by Native American tribal leaders, is pushing the NFL to force Redskins team owner Dan Snyder to change the team's name, calling the franchise "guilty of conduct detrimental" to the sport.

Critics say "Redskins" is undoubtedly a racial slur against Native Americans. And there's a long-running debate over whether the team's name should be changed. Owner Dan Snyder has stood by it, saying the name's staying put.

But the federal government also grants the NFL a tax exempt status.

Last year, Oklahoma Sen. Tom Coburn called for an end to tax exemption for the NFL and other leagues. As reported by Bloomberg, he estimated the NHL and NFL could "generate at least $91 million of federal revenue every year."

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