Arizona governor: 'Redskins' not politically incorrect

The Redskins name controversy extends beyond sports and into politics. (USATSI) Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer said Wednesday that she never considered the term "Redskins" politically incorrect, despite the ongoing controversy with the NFL's Washington Redskins.

"I guess you can look at it both sides," she said, according to the Arizona Daily Star. "I always thought it was somewhat of a tribute to the Native Americans to especially have a big, famous football team named the Redskins," the governor explained. "I never looked at it as being politically incorrect."

An Associated Press poll from April 2013 showed that 79 percent of respondents didn't think the team should change its name.

Brewer remained steadfast in her beliefs despite questions that some Native Americans consider the word insulting.

"I have never seen it as a derogatory description of the Native Americans," Brewer said. "I know that as we move along, as a lot of things become uncomplimentary, maybe to the people that are being exposed to it,' but I have never felt that way."

Ultimately, Brewer pointed out that it's not for her to say.

"I guess that's something that people that make those decisions will have to decide,'' she said. "But I've always been encouraged by the name 'Redskins' as a football team, tough and brave and warriors.''

Brewer's remarks come several weeks after President Barack Obama said he would "think about changing" the Redskins team name because it offends a sizable group of people."

And last month, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said "If one person's offended, we have to listen. And ultimately, it is [team owner] Dan [Snyder]'s decision. But it is something that I want all of us to go out and make sure we're listening to our fans, listening to people who have a different view, and making sure that we continue to do what's right to make sure that team represents the strong tradition that it has for so many years."

In May, Snyder spoke in unequivocal terms about the team name.

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Arizona governor: 'Redskins' not politically incorrect