The Washington Commanders plan to announce the team’s new mascot during Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns. On the same day, the Commanders are honoring members of its legendary offensive line, “The Hogs.”
The combination of the two made many speculate that the franchise’s mascot would be a hog. However, the latest development involving the members of the “Hogs” jeopardizes the notion.
On Monday, “Hogs” members highlighted its dispute with the Commanders and the team’s owner Dan Snyder in a press release. Former Washington players Joe Jacoby, Mark May, John Riggins, Fred Dean, and Doc Walker have formed “O-Line Entertainment LLC.”
The group claims Snyder and the Commanders are trying to profit off the “Hogs” trademark without compensating the men whose “blood and sweat” built the group’s name. The former players also claim that the Washington Commanders are a different franchise from the team’s previous name that “The Hogs” originated.
The group filed for a trademark for the name “Hogs” in July. They expect to be granted the trademark in early 2023, per Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post.
The two sides have tried to work out their differences before Sunday’s celebration. But without a compensation agreement, the former players have no intentions of associating with Snyder and the Commanders.
The Commanders rebranded in February. The team dropped its previous moniker, “Redskins” in the summer of 2020 following an outcry about the name being racist and disparaging to Native Americans. Sunday’s mascot announcement is an attempt to complete the rebranding. The team is choosing between a hog and a dog for the mascot.
The Commanders released a statement shortly after the former players’ press release. The team will go forward with its plans to honor the “Hogs” and legendary head coach Joe Gibbs on Sunday.
“We are planning a celebration of the greatest offensive line ever to play the game. The HOGS are a key part of our franchise’s history, and we want to keep their legacy alive with the next generation of fans. We have been working with the Hogs on this event for six months and look forward to welcoming them and Coach Gibbs back.”
The team also does not plan to impede the trademark attempt by the former players. The team also will not capitalize on the “Hogs” brand financially, according to Ben Standig of The Athletic. Some members of the disputing group will still attend Sunday’s celebration.
