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WASHINGTON -- Washington Redskins president Bruce Allen said in a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid on Saturday that the pro football teams nickname is "respectful" toward Native Americans. On Thursday, half the U.S. Senate urged National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell to change the Washington clubs name, saying it is a racist slur and it is time to replace it. The franchise responded by releasing Allens letter. "Our use of Redskins as the name of our football team for more than 80 years has always been respectful of and shown reverence toward the proud legacy and traditions of Native Americans," he wrote. The letter references research that "the term Redskins originated as a Native American expression of solidarity." It notes that the teams logo was designed by Native American leaders and cites surveys that Native Americans and Americans as a whole support the name. Redskins owner Daniel Snyder has refused to change the name, citing tradition, but there has been growing pressure including statements in recent months from President Barack Obama, lawmakers of both parties and civil rights groups. Last month, Reid took to the Senate floor to say Snyder should "do what is morally right" and change the name. In a letter Thursday, 49 senators mentioned the National Basketball Associations quick action recently to ban Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling for life after he was heard on an audio recording making offensive comments about blacks. They said Goodell should formally push to rename the Redskins. "We urge you and the National Football League to send the same clear message as the NBA did: that racism and bigotry have no place in professional sports," read the letter, which did not use the word "Redskins." Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida wrote his own letter saying he doesnt believe that retaining the Redskin name "is appropriate in this day and age." In a written response Thursday, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said "the intent of the teams name has always been to present a strong, positive and respectful image." Reid and Sen. Maria Cantwell of Washington state led the letter-writing effort. All senators on the letter are Democrats. Cantwell spokesman Jared Leopold said Republicans were not asked to participate. The senators noted that tribal organizations representing more than two million Native Americans across the U.S. have said they want the Redskins name dropped. Despite federal laws protecting their identity, "Every Sunday during football season, the Washington, D.C., football team mocks their culture," they wrote. "The NFL can no longer ignore this and perpetuate the use of this name as anything but what it is: a racial slur." Jose Cruz Jr. Astros Jersey . 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Josh Reddick Jersey . Russell Wilson against Darrelle Revis, former teammate Brandon Browner and whatever schemes Bill Belichick dreams up.Boston, MA (SportsNetwork.com) - The Boston Red Sox celebrated their 2013 World Series title Saturday with a rolling rally that began at Fenway Park and continued through the city streets before ending in the Charles River. Festivities began at Fenway Park, where the Red Sox wrapped up their third World Series title in 10 seasons with a 6-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 6 of the Fall Classic on Wednesday night. Fans heard from local politicians, Red Sox management and a host of players on a sunshine-filled fall day. "Its a magical day for us, the end of a remarkable season," said Red Sox owner Tom Werner. "Its been a fantastic year." The Red Sox werent considered contenders in spring training after finishing last in the American League East a year ago, but new manager John Farrell guided the club to the top of the division. Boston then became the first team since Minnesota in 1991 to go from last place to a World Series title in one year. "When we assembled in Fort Myers in February, it was clear that we had a special group of guys," Farrell told the crowd. "To see it come to light last Wednesday ... this is a group that was very special." Jon Lester, Dustin Pedroia and World Series MVP David Ortiz were among the players thhat addressed the fans during the ceremony.dddddddddddd "We have to do this every year, right?" Pedroia asked. "Everyone counted us out in spring training. When we got together, we all believed that we could do this." The biggest cheers went to Ortiz, who has been part of each of the teams three World Series titles since 2004. "We stayed together as a family," Ortiz said. "This might be one of the teams Im most proud of all. We may not have the talent of the teams in 2004 and 2007, but we had guys who cared and guys that wanted to get it done." Players and team officials then boarded the citys famous duck boats for a parade through the city. It began on Boylston Street near Fenway Park and traveled toward Copley Square, near where the Boston Marathon bombings took place in April. At the spot of the marathon finish line, Jonny Gomes and Jarrod Saltalamacchia placed the World Series trophy and a pair of Red Sox jerseys with the 617 area code that read "Boston Strong" on the back. A rendition of "God Bless America" was also sung. The amphibious duck boats then continued toward the Boston Common, past City Hall through downtown and eventually into the Charles River between the city of Boston and Cambridge. ' ' '