Despite facing a lawsuit and fan criticism, Marjorie Harris, co-owner of the Washington Commanders, expressed support for the team's nickname, highlighting its potential to resonate with the community.
As the Washington Commanders grapple with the legacy of their former "Redskins" moniker and navigate an ongoing lawsuit, co-owner Marjorie Harris has chimed in with her perspective on the team's name.
Speaking at a recent foundation event, Harris acknowledged the diverse opinions surrounding the name change but emphasized the need to focus on building a positive identity for the Commanders.
"As you would imagine, everybody has an opinion about the name – some good, some bad, some in the middle," she said. "And I think that we have a lot of work to do."
Despite the controversy, Harris expressed her growing affinity for the nickname, stating that it had started to sound "pretty good" to her.
"Quite frankly, I had a whole day in the community and I kept referring to the team as the Commanders, and you know what, it sounds pretty good to me," she said. "So, for now, it’s the Commanders."
The Commanders' name change was implemented ahead of the 2022 season, following pressure from sponsors and fans who deemed the previous moniker offensive. However, the team faced a lawsuit from the Native American Guardians Association (NAGA) in September 2023, alleging that the new nickname was still inappropriate.
Head coach Dan Quinn further fueled the debate by wearing a T-shirt featuring a feather from the original Redskins logo and the new "W" in the Commanders logo.
A recent survey by the Washington Post found that only 16% of fans supported retaining the Commanders nickname. Despite these challenges, Harris remained optimistic about the team's future under its current identity.
"I think that we have a lot of work to do and that name issue is going to be on the side for now until we can get things going," she said.
The Commanders' decision to change their name was initially prompted by former owner Daniel Snyder's desire to distance the team from its controversial past. However, the new nickname has also faced criticism, with some arguing that it lacks the historical and cultural significance of the Redskins.
Despite the ongoing legal and public scrutiny, the Commanders' co-owner expressed a belief that the name has the potential to resonate with the community.
"I think we have an opportunity to do something special here," Harris said. "And I think that starts with the name."
The Commanders organization will continue to face scrutiny over its name as the NAGA lawsuit progresses. However, Harris's embrace of the nickname suggests that the team is committed to building a positive identity under its current moniker.
