The logo for the Change the Mascot campaign

A former Washington NFL player claims the team's racist mascot is considered an honor by members of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe in Texas.

Mark Moseley, who is being paid by the team to support the controversial mascot, grew up near the reservation. He said tribal members were happy when he joined the Washington franchise.

"They loved the fact that I was playing for the Indians. They considered it an honor," Moseley said on WJLA.

Moseley claims the team interviewed over a "thousand Indians" about the name. "No red men have said anything derogatory to me about it," he said.

The comments came as Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) said the team should get rid of its mascot. The team plays at a stadum in the state.

“I was asked earlier today and answered that I do believe it is probably time for the Washington Redskins to change their team name," the governor said on his Facebook page.

Get the Story:
Ex-Redskins Super Bowl kicker Mark Moseley: Never, ever heard any of 'these Indians' complain about team name (WJLA 8/5)
DC Sports Bog: Mark Moseley says ‘no red men have said anything derogatory to me’ about the Redskins name (The Washington Post 8/5)
O’Malley: ‘probably time’ to change Redskins name (AP 8/5)

Related Stories:
Ted Quasula: NNALEA leader intent on destroying group's image (8/5)
Column: Virginia eager to embrace NFL team's racist mascot (8/4)
Chippewa Cree Tribe takes Original Americans Foundation money (08/01)
Fact Checker: Three Pinocchios for Washington team's new site (07/31)
Editorial: Washington team's 'racial slur' has no place in society (7/29)
Granddaughter of former team owner condemns racist mascot (07/24)
Center: Report outlines harmful effects of 'Indian' mascots (7/22)
Editorial: No rubes at Quechan Nation in saying no to NFL team (7/21)
Quechan Nation turns down 'bribe' from Washington NFL team (7/17)
Opinion: Washington NFL team's origins connect to Jim Thorpe (7/17)
Simon Moya-Smith: Mascot supporters use tired arguments (7/14)
Federal judge refuses use of name of Washington NFL team (7/14)
Opinion: Teams with Indian mascots all play on stolen tribal land (07/08)
Blackfeet man who supports NFL team has problem with 'Chiefs' (7/7)
Young Navajo woman leads petition against racist trademarks (7/3)
Gabe Galanda: Nike should walk the walk on racist sport mascot (7/1)
Stanley Heller: It's time for media boycott of Washington team (7/1)