A bill to lease the RFK Stadium site to D.C. officials could be blocked by Sen. Steve Daines unless the Washington Commanders honor the artist who designed the team’s former logo.
The Montana Republican plans to announce his decision during Wednesday’s national parks subcommittee hearing. Legislation that would lease the RFK site to the District is the last item on the meeting’s agenda.
The Washington Commanders’ former logo, a stylized rendering of an American Indian, was designed by Blackie Wetzel, a member of Montana’s Blackfeet Nation.
“My goal is for the Washington Commanders to honor the pride, history and heritage of the Blackfeet Tribe,” Mr. Daines writes in his prepared comments. “Make no mistake, this logo was inspired and envisioned by Wetzel as a tribute to Native Americans. It is not a caricature. It is a depiction of pride and strength. Of courage and honor.”
The Commanders abandoned the logo in 2020 when they changed their name from the Washington Redskins to the Washington Football Team. The organization no longer uses any American Indian imagery in its official merchandise.
Mr. Daines specifies that he does not want the franchise to return to its old nickname. Instead, he wants the team to honor Wetzel’s contribution by reinstating the old logo on some merchandise.
The senator notes that profits could raise awareness for tribal causes.
“The team can be a beacon of light for these communities, but until I see meaningful actions that satisfy the Wetzel family and other tribal stakeholders, I cannot support this legislation,” Mr. Daines wrote.
In a statement, the Washington Commanders said they met with Wetzel’s family on Monday.
“[We] are working collaboratively to recognize Blackie Wetzel for his contributions in creating our former logo,” a team spokesperson said in a statement.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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