e who specializes in managing political crises, as an adviser on the matter.

ASHBURN, Va. -- Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder says respect goes both ways when it comes to the debate over the teams nickname. The man who ultimately gets to decide whether the name stays or goes offered his thoughts on the matter Tuesday in a letter to season-ticket holders, the first time he has addressed at length the change-the-name campaign that has picked up momentum this year. The tone of the letter suggests that no change is under consideration. "Ive listened carefully to the commentary and perspectives on all sides, and I respect the feelings of those who are offended by the team name," the letter states. "But I hope such individuals also try to respect what the name means, not only for all of us in the extended Washington Redskins family, but among Native Americans too." The letter recalls Snyders experience when he attended his first Redskins game at age 6 and cites polls and anecdotal evidence that indicate support for the name from Native Americans. It states that the original Boston Redskins had a Native American coach before the franchise relocated to Washington, even though research shows that it is unclear whether William "Lone Star" Dietz was an actual Indian or whether he stole the identity of a missing man from the Oglala Sioux tribe. "The name was never a label," Snyders letter states. "It was, and continues to be, a badge of honour." While there have been groups calling for a name change for decades, a series of events this year has put the Redskins on the defensive like never before. Snyder has hired Lanny Davis, an adviser in the Clinton White House who specializes in managing political crises, as an adviser on the matter. The letter released Tuesday shows more sensitivity than the owners last on-the-record comment on the topic, when he told USA Today in May: "Well never change the name. Its that simple. NEVER -- you can use caps." In recent months, local leaders in Washington and some members of Congress have called for a name change, and some media outlets have stopped using the name. It is also the subject of a long-running legal challenge from a group of American Indians seeking to block the teams federal trademark protection. Last week, President Barack Obama told The Associated Press that he would "think about changing" the name if he owned the team. This week, the NFL said it will meet with an Indian tribe that has been pushing for a change, and Commissioner Roger Goodell said Tuesday that the league needs to "carefully listen" to critics of the name and "make sure were doing whats right." Goodell has said that it is ultimately Snyders call as to whether the name will be changed. For now, it appears the owner is not budging. "I respect the opinions of those who disagree. I want them to know that I do hear them, and I will continue to listen and learn," the letter states. "But we cannot ignore our 81 year history, or the strong feelings of most of our fans as well as Native Americans throughout the country. After 81 years, the team name Redskins continues to hold the memories and meaning of where we came from, who we are, and who we want to be in the years to come." Hydro Flask Kopen .com) - It appears both the Houston Rockets and Chicago Bulls will reach the playoffs, but the two squads are coming off losing efforts. Hydro Flask Fles . "Yeah, [I heard them]," he said. "They made me miss the free throw." A year ago, Lowrys post-game antics may not have been so well received but what was snide and snarky is now endearing quick wit. http://www.swellbottlenederland.com/hydr...-nederland.html. "Last year didnt go the way we wanted it to, but we need to look at what went well and what didnt go so well. Hopefully this year we will be better," Brendan Gallagher said after practice. This year, the Canadiens have a little more depth to work with by adding players like Daniel Briere, Dale Weise, Mike Weaver, Douglas Murray and arguably, the biggest addition to this playoff roster, Thomas Vanek, who the Canadiens were able to land at the trade deadline. Swell Fles Nederland . Diego Costa headed in Gabis corner seven minutes from time to secure victory ahead of the return match in Madrid on March 11. "We know that at Madrid it will be another game, which will also be important and very difficult," Milan coach Clarence Seedorf said. Swell Fles Bestellen . Team spokesman Donald Beauchamp said there was no new information on the 80-year-old Hall of Famers condition. The family has requested privacy.NEW YORK, N.Y. - Rangers coach Alain Vigneault said early Wednesday that theres no need for supplemental discipline for New York defenceman John Moore in the wake of his punishing hit on Montreal forward Dale Weise in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final. "It doesnt meet the league standard as far as a late hit," Vigneault told reporters at a Wednesday morning availability in Montreal the day after the Habs 7-4 win. "It was a hit that Johnny caught him a little high in the chest, (the) player didnt see it coming. "It probably warrants the penalty that was given on the ice. Other than that, I dont see what else it could warrant, but Ive been surprised before. Well see what happens." Moore was suspended two games later on Wednesday for an illegal check to the head. Moore was given a major penalty and ejected from Tuesday nights game at Montreals Bell Centre when, at 10:41 of the third period, he nailed Weise with a blindside open-ice hit that was almost identical to Montreal forward Brandon Prusts unpenalized hit on Derek Stepan in Game 3. Prust, who had been suspended once before by the league, was subsequently given a two-game ban for the late check, which the NHL deemed as interference. Vigneault said the two cases were different. "Well, the player didnt see him coming, obviously, but the guy (Weise) was admiring his pass a little bit at the same time. Unfortunately, it was a hit and because of the force of the hit, the head seemed to snap back a litttle bit.dddddddddddd But as far as what I know about league standards and from what I heard from the Prust hit where the dynamics of the hit changed because Stepan was hurt, I dont see that at this time right now." Stepans jaw was broken by Prusts hit but the Rangers centre returned to action Tuesday after undergoing surgery, and scored two goals while wearing a chin guard. Weises helmet was knocked off after Tuesday nights hit and he was wobbly when he got up, with teammate P.K. Subban grabbing him in a bear hug for support. He left for treatment but returned to the bench late in the period. Montreal coach Michel Therrien did not take umbrage at Vigneaults assessment of the play. "What Alain is saying its normal. Hes there to protect his players with his comments, and any coach is going to say those types of things. But we all saw the hit. Its in the leagues hands and Im sure theyre going to take the good decision, so thats the way we see it." Moore plays on New Yorks third defensive pairing with Kevin Klein. Tuesdays win staved off elimination for Montreal, narrowing the Rangers lead in the series to three games to two. Game 6 is T