The Onondaga Nation ripping a page from the Al Sharpton guide to racial shakedowns.

WASHINGTON — The lawyer for the Onondaga Nation says Onondaga County Republican Chairman Tom Dadey made “unfortunate” remarks when he criticized Rep. Dan Maffei for speaking out about the Washington Redskins.

In a speech on the House floor Tuesday, Maffei, D-Syracuse, called the football team’s name offensive and derogatory to Native Americans.

The same day, Dadey criticized Maffei for involving himself in the issue, saying the congressman’s “priorities are completely out of whack.”

Syracuse lawyer Joe Heath, who represents the Onondaga Nation, came to Maffei’s defense today. He said Dadey is the one who needs to understand that the issue over the football team’s name is a priority for Native Americans, who consider the word a racial slur.

“One can only hope that the chairperson does not think that this slur is acceptable,” Heath said in a statement. “When any elected official or other leader has the moral courage to speak truth to power and to denounce racism, our democracy is strengthened and we are all better off.”

Heath said he was particularly concerned that Dadey accused Maffei of grandstanding on the issue.

“It is time to stand together with all who demand this change, and to stop attacking those leaders who call for the change,” Heath said. “To call a stand against racism ‘grandstanding’ is very disappointing. As someone who has attempted to fight racism in Central New York for over 40 years, I am saddened and embarrassed that this debate is still unfolding.”