Kennedy administration in 1961 asked Redskins team owner to lift its racial ban . The NFL has been criticized for not doing enough to address the issue of race relations on and off the field since it was first introduced by then-commissioner Pete Rozelle in 1967. Did n't the Kennedy administration have more important issues to deal with than whether the Redskins had a black player ? He says diehard fans use history and tradition to defend offensive name and logo . Smith : Public opinion calls for racial sensitivity ; current owner will have to respond .
Kennedy administration in 1961 asked Redskins team owner to lift its racial ban . The NFL has been criticized for not doing enough to address the issue of race relations on and off the field since it was first introduced by then-commissioner Pete Rozelle in 1967. He says diehard fans use history and tradition to defend offensive name and logo . Smith : Public opinion calls for racial sensitivity ; current owner will have to respond .