The time is now for the National Football League to stop dishonouring Native Americans. It should insist that the Washington Redskins retire the offensive nickname and image.

Recently, 10 members of the Congressional Native American Caucus formally requested that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell demonstrate a real commitment to diversity, tolerance and respect by calling upon the Washington Redskins organisation to find a name that does not denigrate Native peoples.

The commissioner’s response? In his June 5 letter, Goodell defended the Redskins’ name and image. He called it “a unifying force that stands for strength, courage, pride and respect.”

Goodell’s offensive reply is not only cowardly, but it is also an antiquated defence reminiscent of those who refused to recognise other pop culture stereotypes such as Little Black Sambo and Frito Bandito.