The Washington Redskins continued their annual tradition of wishing their fans a Happy Thanksgiving, as most American sports teams do on this holiday:
Wishing you and your family a Happy #Thanksgiving.
But because of the growing controversy over the use of "Redskins" — a pejorative against Native Americans — the team faced immediate backlash on Twitter:
.@Redskins
.@Redskins
.@Redskins
@Redskins
.@Redskins
The team faced similar backlash when they tweeted a Thanksgiving greeting in 2014:
From our family to yours, have a very safe and Happy #Thanksgiving. #HappyThanksgiving #HTTR
And in 2013.
Happy Thanksgiving #Redskins Nation! Have a safe and happy holiday! #HTTR
In 2012, though, the Redskins had a game on Thanksgiving against the Dallas Cowboys, their NFC East rivals.
On the list of things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, be thankful the #Redskins will be wearing #GoldPants today! #HTTR
Tradition, indeed.
Vote for @RGIII & RT #HTTR to spread the word! Help #BeatDallas off the field in 12th Man Battle! http://t.co/EpUcjkUA