Commanders to introduce new mascot vs Browns in Week 17
The Washington Commanders will unveil the team’s new mascot on Sunday, but the proceedings are not a joyous occasion for some former players and a lawsuit has been filed.
Sunday’s Commanders game against the Cleveland Browns will feature a halftime presentation of the team’s new mascot. The choice is all but guaranteed to be a cartoon caricature of a hog and several players from the past have been invited to participate in the ceremony, including the original Hogs. Former head coach Joe Gibbs is also expected to attend.
However, the original Hogs have filed a lawsuit against Commanders owner Dan Snyder and the team. The legendary offensive line has often been omitted from team functions and celebrations. They also feel that their trademark (pending) is being infringed upon by the team and are not being compensated for it.
Fans are divided in their support – some are taking the team’s side and some are siding with the players.
"Without substantial control and compensation, the original HOGS do not want to be associated with the Commanders under its current ownership and management and require that their legacy and brand is protected." pic.twitter.com/YEqOaGyYYM
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) December 26, 2022
The team doesn’t feel as if they have slighted the former players and are hoping the original Hogs will be present for the ceremony. Fans who support the team feel as if the former players are being unreasonable in their demands. Is that right or fair? The team is simply hoping the Hogs attend the celebration and enjoy the festivities.
Fwiw: was told the Commanders have no issue with the trademark and don’t want to impede anything. Attorney says issue is about team capitalizing on their trademark. Wants them to be paid. If no resolution by time trademark approved, says could file suit for trademark infringement
— John Keim (@john_keim) December 26, 2022
The former players have filed this lawsuit which is based on copyright infringement, but it is also somewhat personal for them. These players have a frosty relationship with the owner and the animosity goes back many years. Fans who support the Hogs respect what they have done in the past and feel like the organization has ignored most of these players from the Super Bowl years.
The legendary O-line was named the Hogs by Skins OL Coach Bugel decades ago. It’s Snyder that’s attempting to make it the mascot and capitalize off their past success, without compensating the former players LCC group who are about to be awarded the HOGS trademark.
— The Burgundy and Gold Report (@TheBandGreport) December 28, 2022
Who is right? Who is wrong? Can both sides be right and can both sides be wrong? It would be in the best interests of both sides to work out an amicable agreement that is beneficial to everyone. The team deserves it. The former players deserve it. Most of all, the entire fan base deserves it. See you as we go along.
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