Total Pro Sports
Fans are refusing to give up on their push to see the Washington Commanders revert to their old Redskins name and have recently ramped things up in a bid for change.
The Native American Guardians Association (NAGA) has launched a petition, seeking the restoration of the team’s former moniker and claiming that the name was never derogatory.
NAGA argues that the name change has played a part in obscuring Native American contributions to United States history.
“We acknowledge the concerns surrounding cultural sensitivity and the need to foster inclusivity. However, we firmly believe that there are alternative ways to honor and respect Native American heritage without erasing it,” they wrote in the petition.
The document had gotten well over 150,000 signatures at the time of writing.
The group has the backing of President Donald Trump, who recently branded the name change a “disaster” while suggesting it should have never been changed.
The President is also expected to have some influence on team proceedings in the near future, with the Commanders currently in talks over a new stadium deal.
New owner Josh Harris has acknowledged the concerns over the name but insists there won’t be any more changes. However, sources have suggested that they are putting feelers out there by reintroducing certain traditional elements in their new uniforms.
Meanwhile, advocacy groups such as IlluminNative believe the Redskins name is a racial slur and is offensive to many native Americans, while some experts warn that another name change could damage the team’s credibility.
Of course, NAGA disagrees, telling Washington that, “By doing so, you will honor the history, tradition, and emotional connection that millions of fans have forged with the team.”
Time will tell whether their petition has any bearing on the Commanders’ future.
Also Read: NFL Fans Are Going Crazy After Washington Releases Their “Redskins” Uniforms For The 2025 Season
