The status of the team name and corresponding logos were bound to resurface. That happened to an extent over the weekend when coach Dan Quinn wore a Washington Commanders T-shirt depicting two feathers hanging off the Commanders’ logo “W.”
The feathers, the kind typically associated with Native Americans, evoked thoughts of the franchise’s previous heritage. Even with a different sartorial choice, one aspect of the contentious subject is likely part of Wednesday’s hearing on Capitol Hill about the future of the RFK Stadium site.
So, the shirt. This is not a team-sanctioned item. Not sure if Quinn got this at an Etsy shop or elsewhere.
Do your thing, Twitter. pic.twitter.com/L3oulWOS2B
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) May 11, 2024
Quinn’s shirt-wearing during the coach’s media availability Saturday and the subcommittee hearing this week were apparently coincidental. The coach, hired in February, came across the garment he liked. The shirt was not authorized or issued by the team, according to a team spokesperson. Nor was this a trial balloon attempt by the franchise, previously known as the Redskins, about future changes. The Commanders’ ownership group, led by Josh Harris, has previously stated they will not return to the controversial Redskins name.
During the hearing, U.S. Senator Steven Daines is expected to discuss the lack of Native American representation in logos or other symbolism with the franchise, according to a source briefed on the matter. The Montana politician is the ranking member of the Energy and Natural Resources subcommittee that oversees the National Park Services. The NPS has jurisdiction over the federal land occupied by the faded stadium slated for demolition.
The Senate will later vote on the bill that Congress already approved, which allows the District of Columbia to administer the fate of the RFK site. The District, Maryland and Virginia are vying for the opportunity to house a future Commanders stadium. If approved by the Senate, as expected, the bill would be sent to President Joe Biden for his signature.
Daines’ focus is on encouraging the Commanders’ organization to seek ways for more Native American imagery and branding rather than seeking a third name change since 2020. The previous logo when the team went by Redskins was designed by a member of the Montana-based Blackfeet tribe.
The subcommittee hearing on the bill, H.R. 4984, is scheduled for Wednesday at 10 a.m. ET in the Dirksen Senate Office Building, where Quinn’s fashion could be mentioned.
(Photo: Scott Taetsch / Getty Images)
