Washington Commanders Accused of Defaming Native Americans in Name Fight

A Native American group has sued the National Football League's Washington Commanders for defamation, claiming that the historic organization has delegitimized the group and its efforts to restore the team's name back to "Redskins," but one expert told Newsweek why it may not happen.

The lawsuit was filed in North Dakota Federal Court on behalf of the Native American Guardian's Association against the Commanders and key leadership, claiming a "coordinated and willful effort" by the franchise to defame NAGA both verbally and in writing by referring to the nonprofit organization as "fake."

Last month, NAGA issued a demand letter to the Commanders in conjunction with a Change.org petition that called for a name change back to its roots, citing history and legacy and how most Native Americans purportedly do not feel "Redskins" is derogatory or offensive.

"Today's lawsuit is a big leap forward for Native Americans, and all Americans, who have been canceled or personally attacked for voicing their opinion," Chad LaVeglia, attorney for NAGA, told Newsweek. "The Native American Guardian's Association is exemplifying the bravery and courage of their ancestors by fighting back against a giant, powerful foe.

"If only a small percentage of Americans show the same courage, we can return to a country that prospers from healthy debate," he said.

A Commanders spokesperson told Newsweek: "We believe the complaint is without merit, and we will address the matter in court."

The lawsuit shared with Newsweek contends that "the powerful are pushing the delete button" on Native American history. NAGA views the franchise's former moniker as a sign of reverence towards its community, honoring a deep cultural, historical and emotional significance.

"NAGA's members were huge Redskin fans precisely because they were the Redskins," the lawsuit says. "It was the only team in the NFL to honor an actual Native American. They were proud to watch professional football players engage in a different kind of battle, with the stoic face of Chief White Calf on their helmets."

It goes on to blame Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris for "erasing" the heritage. The suit also purports that a Commanders employee defamed the organization by referring to it as a "fake" group while in conversation with a former luxury box owner.

An ownership team led by Harris completed a purchase of the team this summer. However, the name change occurred in 2020 and at the discretion of ex-owner, Dan Snyder following Black Lives Matter protests. Major corporations including Nike, FedEx and Pepsi threatened to remove sponsorships if the name remained the Redskins.

NAGA also accuses Harris of working in cohesion with the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) to drown out the results of its online petition, which as of Monday afternoon garnered over 132,600 signatures.

"As the self-proclaimed voice of Native Americans everywhere, NCAI and the Commanders did more than attack NAGA's integrity; they silenced over 90 percent of Native Americans who disagree with them," the lawsuit states. "They also silenced Americans."

A spokesperson for NCAI told Newsweek via email that they had not viewed the lawsuit so they could not comment.

"Since 1944, the National Congress of American Indians has and will continue to remain steadfast in our commitment to defend and strengthen tribal sovereignty and ensure that the voices of Tribal Nations are heard," the spokesperson said.

In a statement shared with Newsweek, NAGA President Eunice Davidson said that the lawsuit is "a line-in-the-sand moment."

"We are fighting against cancel culture for all Americans," Davidson said. "Native Americans have been the target the longest; we will fight fiercely to preserve our historic place in America, just like other figures and groups.

"However, we will not burn down our nation or encourage any violence in our efforts, unlike others. America is simply not for sale to this epidemic of cancel culture and DEI [diversity, equity and inclusion] initiatives. NAGA will continue to fight to defend her."

Sheila Steinmark, a marketing expert and CEO of the firm MOGXP, told Newsweek that the lawsuit is unsurprising because it keeps NAGA in the news.

She believes the Washington franchise must approach the situation with open and honest communication and to be authentic and sincere—notably to those who have expressed resentment with getting rid of the "Redskins" name in the first place.

"At this point, the Commanders need to move forward with the name they selected," Steinmark said. "To go back to the Redskins doesn't make sense because it shows they're wishy-washy and you're not going to make everyone happy every time."

The franchise has had three different team names since 2020: Redskins, Washington Football Team, and the Commanders. Washington Football Team lasted just one season while they went through a consultation exercise with stakeholders regarding a new name and branding.

Sports franchises are businesses that have to be socially adept to changes, Steinmark said. Not being forthright with their stance will create more harm than good, water down the brand and leave consumers confused.

"They have to own their brand," she said. "Whether they choose to bring in Native American groups and have that dialogue with them, at a certain point they have to stand behind the decisions they have made.

"At a certain point, it becomes late-night TV dialogue. It's just setting them up for real muddy communications and becoming more of an obstacle that continually take away from the focus of their core business. Three name changes are more than enough."

Update 09/26/23, 8:49 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional context.

Update 09/26/23, 7:50 a.m. ET: This article was updated with comment from lawyer Chad LaVeglia and the NCAI.