A new Washington Commanders logo featuring a spear has drawn criticism from Native American organizations and prominent people in Native American communities.
The team posted images of a “new alternate logo’’ on social media accounts April 15. They show a spear intertwined with the team's "W" on a helmet. The "W'' remains the team's primary logo.
“The Washington Commanders' decision to update their logo is disappointing and inappropriate to say the least,’’ the Association on American Indian Affairs said in a statement provided to USA TODAY Sports. “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.’’
For decades, Washington’s NFL team faced opposition to its depiction of Native Americans with its former mascot and nickname. The team stopped using the mascot and nickname in 2020 and rebranded as the Washington Commanders in 2022.
A caption on one of the team's social media posts this week reads, "Pieces of then and now, tied to one legacy.’’
