RIP Washington Redskins (1937-2020). Caving to pressure from corporate sponsors, DC politicians, a small cadre of Native American activists and the woke mob that couldn’t tell Sonny Jurgensen from Jergen’s hand lotion, the Washington Redskins are no more.

The team officially announced Monday that it is dropping the team name … which had been suggested by a Native American. It’s also retiring its Native American logo … which was designed by a Native American.

“(Owner) Dan Snyder and Coach (Ron) Rivera are working closely to develop a new name and design approach that will enhance the standing of our proud, tradition-rich franchise and inspire our sponsors, fans and community for the next 100 years,” the team said in its statement.

“Sponsors?” Why not just say “We’re doing it for the money?”

The team will keep its traditional burgundy and gold colors. At least until the mob rules that burgundy evokes France, which was an imperial power, and that gold signifies capitalism and the rule of the 1%.

Reaction to the Death of the Redskins

Repeated surveys had shown a majority of Native Americans had no problem with the nickname. A 2015 study by the Washington Post, in fact, showed 90% of Native Americans were fine with the nickname. Still the news of the name change was hailed by Native American activists.

Ray Halbritter, Oneida Nation representative and head of the Change the Mascot campaign, said in a statement:

This is a good decision for the country — not just Native peoples — since it closes a painful chapter of denigration and disrespect toward Native Americans and other people of color. Future generations of Native youth will no longer be subjected to this offensive and harmful slur every Sunday during football season.

The Navajo Nation as well celebrated the decision, saying, “July 13, 2020 is now a historic day for all Indigenous peoples around the world.”

They even suggested a new name, “The Washington Code Talkers.”

Renaming the team ‘Code Talkers’ to honor the Navajo Code Talkers, and other tribal nations who used their sacred language to help win World War II would set the team on a path to restoring its reputation and correcting the historical misrepresentation of Indigenous peoples.”

What’s the New Name?

So what’s the new name? The team is not saying yet. Sports Business Daily reports the announcement of a new name has been delayed because trademark issues are pending. The delay may be connected to a man named Martin McCaulay. In 2015 he saw the writing on the wall and started registering the trademarks for Washington Warriors, Washington Americans, and a slew of other potential names. As Fox 5 in DC reported, McCaulay spent $20,000 to register the trademarks, hoping for an eventual payday.

Perhaps that day has arrived. The leading contender does appear to be Warriors, as The Stream predicted. Rivera had said the team was looking for a name that combined the Native American history and military history. Code Talkers would fit that bill as well.

Another possibility is Redtails, in honor of the African-American Tuskegee Airmen. Quarterback Dwayne Haskins, Jr. likes that one.

I like the redtails 🤔 https://t.co/DLSWsUcldp

— Dwayne Haskins, Jr (@dh_simba7) July 3, 2020

 

RedHawks is also a name being tossed about. A Native American advocacy group is pushing the #GoRedhawks hashtag. In 2018, designer Brandon Moore even came up with the logo and uniform during his push for a name change.

#changethemascot @Redskins pic.twitter.com/wtj81MJXW2

— Brandon Moore ™️ (@BMooreCreativ) June 18, 2020

Interestingly, he got the idea after a Native American group, Rising Hearts, created a spoof social media and web campaign in 2017 announcing the Redskins had changed their name.

The announcement of the new name, whatever it is, is expected to come soon, a source told ESPN.

So, Farewell

So no more Redskins. Gone is one of the only things that ever unified the Nation’s Capital. Rich and poor, powerful and powerless, Democrat and Republican, black and white. The special and unique brotherhood and sisterhood known as “Redskins Fans.”

They endured the Depression, World War II, decades of mediocrity, the twice-yearly stress of Dallas Week, the shattering of Joe Theisman’s leg, the horrific murder of rising star Sean Taylor, the endless parade of coaches, even the destructive, dysfunctional reign of owner Dan Snyder. (So far.) A reign now capped by his losing battle to save the name and legacy of the team.

Still, Redskins fans have reason to rejoice: Three Super Bowl wins. And a line-up of superstars and characters and memories to match any NFL team: From Sammy to Sonny, Larry Brown to John Riggins to Adrian Peterson, history makers like Bobby Mitchell, Doug Williams and Art Monk, from speedy cornerback Darrell Green to slow motion QB Bill Kilmer, from the Fun Bunch to The Hogs. The Hogettes. Never forget the Hogettes! From Vince Lombardi to George Allen to the greatest Redskins coach of them all, Mr. Joe Gibbs.

Redskins fans can rejoice over their brethren who packed RFK Stadium every time the Skins played there. Fans who had season tickets for generations and knew the people seated around them like family. Fans who roared with a thunder that shook the stadium … and opposing teams.

Fans spread from Norfolk to Newcastle, Ocean City to the Blue Ridge Mountains, the rundown streets of Anacostia to the ritzy townhouses in Georgetown, all harmonizing on that famous fight song.

One more time, with vigor and a tear: “Hail to the Redskins, Hail Victory. Braves on the Warpath, Fight for Ol’ DC.”

 

Al Perrotta is the Managing Editor of The Stream and co-author, with @JZmirak, of The Politically Incorrect Guide to Immigration. You can follow him at @StreamingAl. And if you aren’t already, please follow The Stream at @Streamdotorg.