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FILE - In this Oct. 24, 2019, file photo, Native American leaders protest against the Redskins team name and logo outside U.S. Bank Stadium before an NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Washington Redskins in Minneapolis. Many Native Americans thought a bitter debate over the U.S. capital's football mascot was over when the team became the Washington Commanders. The organization left behind its name, a racist slur dating to the founding of the United States. The original logo was designed by a member of the Blackfeet Nation. Now a white Republican U.S. senator from Montana is reviving the debate by blocking a bill funding the revitalization of the team's stadium unless the NFL and the Commanders bring back the former logo in some form. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn, File)

Senator wants Washington Commanders to pay tribute to an old logo that offends many Indigenous

Many Native Americans thought a bitter debate over the U.S. capital’s football mascot was over when the team became the Washington Commanders

By Graham Lee Brewer
Published - Jul 02, 2024, 09:01 AM ET
Last Updated - Jul 02, 2024, 09:01 AM EDT

After a half century of activism, many Native Americans thought a bitter debate over the capital's football mascot was over two years ago when the team became the Washington Commanders.

The organization left behind the racist slur “redskins" as its name and retired the logo that was closely tied to that name: the profile of a Native man with long hair and two feathers.

Now, a white Republican U.S. senator from Montana is reviving the debate by blocking a bill funding the revitalization of the decrepit RFK Stadium for the Commanders, who have been playing miles away in Maryland. Sen. Steve Daines says he will block the legislation until the NFL and the Commanders honor the former logo in some form.

Daines declined Associated Press requests to explain his stance or respond to criticism from Indigenous people who say such efforts are rooted in racism.

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