Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder sent out letter to season ticket holders once again defending the team name. "Redskins" has been under fire from critics for years, though the outcry seems to have gained steam this season. In the letter, Snyder wrote eloquently about the "memories and meaning" associated with the name, and hearkens back to his own youth attending Redskins games with his father. Whether the letter does anything to allay those who still see the word as a racially-charged epithet remains to be seen.
NFL news roundup: Dan Snyder defends Redskins name, Matt Schaub still the Texans’ starter
Dan Snyder isn’t backing down from criticism about the “Redskins” name and Gary Kubiak isn’t backing away from Matt Schaub just yet. Those stories, plus more on Aldon Smith, Brandon Marshall and Geno Smith.
Rob Carr
Matt Schaub is having arguably the worst season of his career, but Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak is sticking with the veteran quarterback for now. Kubiak didn't exactly give Schaub a vote of confidence, however, calling the decision to start him against the St. Louis Rams a "touch decision, real tough." Should Schaub struggle again, T.J. Yates is waiting in the wing.
Schaub has been having a rough week, to boot. He was reportedly confronted at his home by upset fans, though Houston police later provided a contradictory report.
Aldon Smith's rough season got a little rougher Wednesday. The 49ers outside linebacker is now facing three felony charges of possession of assault weapons stemming from a house party gone bad at his San Jose residence last year. Smith is currently on an indefinite leave of absence after being arrested for a DUI in September. There is no word yet whether there will be further repercussions from the 49ers.
Brandon Marshall wants to wear green shoes for Thursday night's game between the Bears and the Giants to bring attention to Mental Health Awareness Week, and initially it appeared that the NFL would not allow the wide receiver on the field. The league now denies that it took a stance on the matter, and says that Marshall can wear the shoes if he is willing to subject himself to a fine. Marshall has said he is willing and that he intends to donate the money to charity.
It’s unclear whether or not the NFL changed their stance as a result of negative press. In any case, Marshall has certainly succeeded in bringing more attention to his cause.
Geno Smith turned the best performance of his young NFL career on Monday night, passing for 199 yards and three touchdowns against the Atlanta Falcons on Monday Night Football. For his efforts, the NFL recognized the rookie as the AFC Offensive Player of the Year, beating out notable performances by Peyton Manning and T.Y. Hilton.
Smith was coming off a four-turnover clunker against the Tennessee Titans. The impressive bounce-back should give Jets fans even more hope in a season that has so far unfolded much better than they could have expected.
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