Donald Trump reignited the name-change debate with threats. He warned the Washington Commanders may lose a crucial stadium deal unless they go back to their former identity as the Redskins.
WHAT? BACK TO THIS?
On Truth Social – the fake Twitter -the president said he would consider blocking the Commanders’ efforts to build a new stadium if they did not change the name back to the Redskins. Petty much? The franchise dropped the name in the midst of controversy in 2020.
“My statement on the Washington Redskins has totally blown up, but only in a very positive way,” Trump posted. “I may put a restriction on them that if they don’t change the name back to the original ‘Washington Redskins,’ and get rid of the ridiculous moniker, ‘Washington Commanders,’ I won’t make a deal for them to build a Stadium in Washington. The Team would be much more valuable, and the Deal would be more exciting for everyone.”
Since when did president deal in this way? Did Obama ever try to get…
Or…you know what? Let me keep it moving.
This is important to him. He calls it a return to “heritage and prestige” of Native American references in professional sports. Huh? He also targeted Major League Baseball’s Cleveland Guardians — formerly the Indians. He said that rebrand cost owner Matt Dolan politically.
“What he doesn’t understand is that if he changed the name back to the Cleveland Indians, he might actually win an Election,” Trump wrote. “Indians are being treated very unfairly. MAKE INDIANS GREAT AGAIN (MIGA)!” MIGA, PLEASE!
Guardians President Chris Antonetti pushed back gently. LOL! On Cleveland.com, he said, “Obviously it’s a decision we’ve made and we’ve gotten the opportunity to build the brand as the Guardians over the last four years and are excited about the future.” (By the way, I had no clue that the Indians’s name had changed.
Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris, said that there are “no plans” to bring back the Redskins name. He, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced a proposed return to the RFK Stadium site. Now, they have to face The Donald. Some of them are alleged Trumpers!
Trump’s position has political support. Sen. Steve Daines, a Republican from Montana…wait, why is Montana in this…WEIRD. Daines previously stated he would back the Commanders’ stadium efforts if they brought back the original logo. Daines maintained the change was erasure of Native American heritage, especially a Blackfeet chief.
“This is honoring a Blackfeet chief who was born in Montana. He is highly esteemed,” Daines said. “The irony that they were canceling Native American culture as the DEI movement went way too far.”
There is some community support too. About 100,000 people have signed a petition to take the name back.
The Commanders are not hearing the commander-in-chief.
Trump is playing political with football teams, but they are not punting.
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