Native American group criticizes Commanders over new alternate logo: 'We are not your mascot'

Once again, the Washington Commanders' image has sparked backlash from Native American communities.

The American Indian Affairs Commission criticized the Commanders' new alternate logo, which depicts a spear intertwined with their signature "W" on a helmet. 

The Commanders said that the alternate logo aims to connect the franchise's past and present. "Pieces of then and now, tied to one legacy," read their post on social media.

However, it didn't mitigate criticism.

Commanders facing backlash over alternate logo

“The Washington Commanders' decision to update their logo is disappointing and inappropriate to say the least,’’ the Association on American Indian Affairs told USA TODAY Sports in a statement. “It is time to stop repeating this cycle and listen to Native Peoples who have been clear, consistent, and unwavering on this issue: We are not your mascot.’’

The Commanders faced this type of criticism for decades over their former name. The team has gone through two different names since: Washington Football Team (2020-22) and Commanders, and they've ruled out another potential rebrand, at least in the foreseeable future. 

“There are a lot of people in Washington D.C. (and parts of Virginia and Maryland) who really long for the days of the dreaded R-word,’’ Native American activist Suzan Harjo, who played a role in the lawsuits that forced the team to change names, said of the new logo. “It was a vile name. It was one of the vilest ever.’’

Whether the Commanders will take action to appease the critics or will continue to roll with the alternate logo as planned remains to be seen.