‘It’s derogatory’ – When Dan Snyder got infuriated with South Park’s Eric Cartman
Turning back time to 2014, the Washington Commanders were still going with the name 'Redskins'. However, South Park managed to troll the team and owner Dan Snyder in the process. Snyder was fuming in the episode, really upset over the name used by Eric Cartman.
During the episode, their characters launched a campaign for a company that didn't do anything. As a solution for their name, they picked the 'Redskins', who had recently lost their trademark.
Eventually, Snyder showed up at Cartman's office to ask for their name back:
"My name is Dan Snyder. Proud owner of the Washington Redskins football team. In the name of decency, I am asking that you please stop using the name Washington Redskins to refer to your company. You have no right to use our name to get attention".
Cartman added that they could do so, especially with the trademark taken away. Snyder, however, wanted the name back out of decency.
"Don't you see that when you call your organization the Washington Redskins, it's offensive to us? It's derogatory Mr. Cartman," Snyder asked.
Cartman, playing it smart, let Snyder know that he picked the name because he respected Snyder and the team:
"I have total respect for you. When I named my company Washington Redskins it was out of deep appreciation for your team and your people".
When did Dan Snyder change the Washington Commanders' name?
Established in 1932, the Commanders have been in the league for nine decades. The team started as the Boston Braves and changed their name to the Boston Redskins a year later.
It’s all starting to make sense now.
Back in 2020, the Washington Post obtained a text between Dan Snyder and John Moag, attorney for the three minority partners looking to sell their shares of the team.
Moag threatened Snyder "you know what I know…it’s the more serious shit.” https://t.co/lkI52CRnAR
Changing to Washington in 1932, the team stuck with the name for 86 years. In 2020, the name shifted to the Washington Football Team. Later, in 2022 they settled on the Commanders.
For years, activists saw the word 'Redskin' as a slur, even though the team maintained the word was meant to honor the people. The protests went on for decades, urging President Edward Bennett to change the name during a meeting in 1972. Though the name remained the same, they did change their fight song lyrics from “Scalp ’um” to “Beat ’em."
Eventually, with massive pressure from fans and their sponsors like Nike, the team had to change their name and logo.