Tribe issues boycott of FedEx over Redskins mascot

TULSA, Okla. (AP) – The Osage Nation in Oklahoma is boycotting the global shipping company FedEx because of its relationship with the Washington Redskins football team.

The directive issued Tuesday by Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear says that until the name of the NFL team is changed to something "less inflammatory and insulting," tribal employees should refrain from using FedEx when an alternative is available.

The team plays at FedEx Field in Washington D.C.’s Maryland suburbs.

Some human rights groups and lawmakers are urging team ownership to change the mascot, calling it derogatory to American Indians.

A FedEx spokesman said the company is following the "difference of opinion" concerning the team name, but directed questions about the name to the franchise owner.

A team spokesman did not immediately return a message seeking comment Wednesday.