[AnotherUnixGeek]

why did Washington have to rename its NFL team?

They didn't have to - Dan Snyder chose to, probably because his franchise was facing enough problems due to allegations of sexual harassment and improprieties in the front office and he wanted to distract from that by throwing the BLM types (mostly white leftists) a bone.

Similarly, no one made the Cleveland Indians change their name to the infinitely more stupid "Guardians". Their ownership chose to, also during the BLM-Antifa riots of 2020. The owners of the Chiefs and Braves haven't knuckled under.

[JennysCool]

"Guardians"

Easily the most ridiculously stupid nickname in the history of sports. I'll bet a lot of the players, especially the longtime Indians, were embarassed to wear the uniform.

If they were going to change the name, I thought "The Cleveland Rocks" would be perfect. The Rock & Roll hall of fame is there, "Cleveland Rocks" is a great song, and their mascot could be a big ol' rock with eyes. It was a win, win, win.

[Equine1952]

Because they suck so bad they didn’t want to piss of Native Americans. They should have called themselves to Democrats. They suck too

[MinorityRepublican]

Dan Snyder chose to, probably because his franchise was facing enough problems due to allegations of sexual harassment and improprieties in the front office and he wanted to distract from that by throwing the BLM types (mostly white leftists) a bone.

Bought him some time. He got another three years in running his franchise. But he's going to have to sell it now.