Packers Mark Murphy: Washington name change 'not at the top of the list'

Mark Murphy says changing Washington's team name is 'not at the top of the list' right now for the NFL.

Mark Murphy was instrumental in changing Colgate's mascot name. (USATSI)

Despite football being played on the field and other off-field, ahem, distractions, the Redskins name issue remains a major issue around the NFL. 

A big enough issue in fact that, per Packers CEO Mark Murphy (a former Redskins safety), the NFL has had "some discussions at owners' meetings." 

"Quite honestly on the Redskins issue, it has been discussed at the league level. We’ve had some discussions at owners meetings. Dan has made presentations," Murphy said. "Quite honestly, I think with all the issues we’re facing, with domestic violence and concussions, it’s probably not at the top of the list."

Murphy, a former AD at Colgate University who helped change the nickname there, was speaking at a Marquette University law school event and engaging in a Q&A with students. He added he's "very sensitive" to the nickname issue.

“I would say, though, I’m very sensitive to it for a couple reasons,” Murphy said. "Number one, we’re right in the middle of the Oneida Nation. The Oneida Nation, ironically, they’re really a big presence not only in Green Bay but also right near Colgate University up in Oneida, N.Y., which is right near Colgate. And they’ve taken a very strong stance nationally that this is offensive to Native Americans and it should be changed."

Then Murphy got down to brass tacks while talking about his helping to move Colgate from the "Red Raiders" to the "Raiders" -- it's about cash.

“This is obviously a much bigger issue,” Murphy said. “I think when it gets to the point where it’s costing the team, the Redskins and the league money, then I think you’ll start to see some real serious discussion about it."

That's, quite literally, the bottom line. When income is affected, then maybe Dan Snyder will talk about changing the name. Until then he's probably going to take the same stubborn stance he's been squatting on for a few years now.