Names such as Chiefs, Braves, Seminoles, Chippewas, and Chieftains, haven't been scrutinized in the same degree as 'redskins'. This is understandable given the prevalence of ethnic groups being used as sports mascots. Vikings, Irish, Scots, Celts, Knicks, etc.. I personally have no problem using ethnic groups as sports mascots, so long as they are done respectfully.
I can see how redskin, might be offensive. Imagine instead of the Minnesota Vikings, they were the Minnesota 'Whiteskins', or perhaps the Soledad Aztecs changed to the Soledad 'Brownskins'. I venture it is seen as more offensive because it reduces the most distinguishing characteristic of an ethnic group to the color of their skin.
The change in mascot names is not without precedent, though:
- The Dickinson State Savages were renamed the "Blue Hawks" in 1972.
- Southeastern Oklahoma State Savages, were renamed "Savage Storm" in 2006
- Savannah High School in Missouri, currently uses 'Savages' as their school mascot.
- Tecumseh High School in Oklahoma also currently uses 'savages' as their school mascot.
- And this isn't relegated to Native Americans. Pekin High Chinks of Illinois, were renamed the "Dragons" in 1980.