Effort to Change Commanders’ Name Faces Legal Roadblock
In a recent development, a new lawsuit against the Washington Commanders football team has brought the controversial issue of their name back to the forefront. However, it seems that this lawsuit will not be able to force the team to change their name, despite efforts by some to revive the former name.
The lawsuit, filed by the Native American Guardian’s Association (NAGA), alleges that an employee of the Commanders called the group “fake” during a conversation with a former owner of a luxury suite at FedEx Field. This accusation forms part of the defamation claim against the team.
The Commanders, however, have firmly denied the allegations. A spokesperson for the team told Newsweek.com, “We believe the complaint is without merit, and we will address the matter in court.” It remains to be seen how the legal battle will unfold.
Interestingly, the lawsuit also claims that the Commanders have been working with the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) to prevent the return of their former name. According to the lawsuit, this collaboration has silenced over 90 percent of Native Americans who disagree with the NCAI’s stance on the name change. The implications of this claim will surely add another layer of complexity to the ongoing debate.
The origins of this dispute can be traced back to the new ownership group, led by majority owner Josh Harris and limited partner Magic Johnson. On July 22, when the sale from previous owner Daniel Snyder was finalized, members of the new ownership casually mentioned the former name. This sparked speculation about a potential return of the abandoned name and intensified calls for its reinstatement.
Over time, public opinion has shifted on the issue, with the former name being seen as a dictionary-defined slur. Eventually, under mounting pressure from sponsors, Snyder relented and changed the team’s name. However, whether enough pressure from fans can bring back the former name remains uncertain.
It seems unlikely at this point, but as pressure mounts, the current ownership group may have to shoulder the blame for opening “Pandora’s box” by mentioning the name in the euphoria of Snyder’s departure. Had they not done so, this legal battle and the revival of the name might have been avoided.
In the coming months, the outcome of this lawsuit and the public’s response to the Commanders’ name dilemma will shape the future of the team. For now, the Commanders continue to hold their ground while they await their day in court.