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Native American Group Not Happy With Commanders' Name Decision

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Feb 6, 2025 9:44 AM ET

Earlier this week, Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris addressed all the speculation surrounding the franchise's name.

There were rumblings this season that Washington could go back to its original name, which was dropped in 2020. Harris, however, made it clear the "Commanders" brand is here to stay in the nation's capital.

"I think it's now being embraced by our team, by our culture, by our coaching staff, so, we're going with that," Harris said, via NFL.com. "Now, in this building, the name Commanders means something. It's about players who love football, are great at football, hit hard, mentally tough, great teammates. It's really meaningful that that name is growing in meaning."

On Thursday, the Native American Guardian Association responded to that announcement from Harris. Let's just say this group isn't happy about Washington sticking with the Commanders as its team name.

NAGA told TMZ that it finds the "Commanders" name incredibly insulting.

"Had the NFL done any type of focus group with Natives, they would know that their team name is considered indefensible as it was a series of Commanders – many from D.C. – who decimated the once-formidable native nations of this continent," NAGA said. "As the original Americans, we deserve better than be labeled D.C. Commanders – it’s insulting. We deserve honest representation and the telling of the truth. Educate, not Eradicate."

NAGA claims it's being "ignored by today’s woke/racist decision makers at the D.C.-based franchise which continues to insist on utilizing THE most DEGRADING and INSENSITIVE namesake in any sports league – the Commanders."

For what it's worth, NAGA was against the franchise referring to itself as the "Washington Football Team" during the 2020 season.

Even though Washington is sticking with the "Commanders" name, NAGA plans on fighting this battle until further notice.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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