Thousands rally against Washington's nickname outside TCF Bank Stadium ahead of Redskins-Vikings game

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Thousands of people rallied outside the stadium in Minnesota before the Redskins-Vikings game Sunday, November 2nd -- the latest protest against Washington's divisive nickname.

Organizers estimated the crowd around 5,000 on Sunday morning.

The event began with a march through the University of Minnesota campus to TCF Bank Stadium, where Native American leaders, local politicians, former sports stars and other speakers voiced their disdain for Redskins owner Dan Snyder and his refusal to change the nickname they've derided as derogatory and racist.

The university coordinated logistics for the rally and called on the Vikings to remove Redskins references during the game. The Vikings said they're sensitive to the issue but were required to abide by NFL policy requiring such display.

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Meanwhile, two buses transporting the Washington Redskins to their game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday collided on a highway exit ramp while driving to TCF Stadium.

The Redskins tweeted that the team had arrived safely at the stadium and team spokesman Tony Wyllie said that the accident will not affect the game.

"Everyone is fine. No one was injured," Wylie said.

Minnesota State Patrol Lt. Eric Roeske said one of the Minneapolis police squads escorting two buses crashed into a guard rail and ended up in front of the buses. He said the first bus braked but the second bus rear ended the first bus on the ramp. He said the accident call came in around 8:15 a.m.

Roeske said the officer in the squad car was taken to the hospital. He added there were minor injuries like scrapes and bruises on at least one bus passenger, but he didn't know how many sustained injuries.

Washington wide receiver Pierre Garcon tweeted a photo from inside one of the buses and said in a message "So this just happened. But we are ok."

Garcon's photo shows a broken front windshield. There is a police car parked in front of the bus and emergency workers, one pushing a stretcher on wheels, standing in the road.