Central Montana Times

U.S. Senator Steve Daines has addressed a letter to Fox 5 WTTG, a local Washington D.C.-area station, expressing concerns about the recent blurring of the former Redskins logo, which depicts Blackfeet Chief Two Guns White Calf. The letter follows Ryan Wetzel's objections to the censorship during a segment featuring historical clips of Redskins games and crowds.

"In the interview in which District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser advocated for the Washington Commanders to return to the Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) Stadium site, Fox 5 played historical clips featuring Redskins games and crowds from an era when the franchise was among the most prestigious in the National Football League," wrote Daines. "Fox 5 also showed a photograph from the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing where I highlighted the rich Montana history behind the logo and the pride and heritage it holds in Indian Country."

Daines continued, "Strangely, Fox 5 chose to blur and censor any depiction of the logo in each of these clips, insinuating that the depiction of Chief Two Guns White Calf as reflected on the helmet is akin to obscene content."

Ryan Wetzel also sent a statement to Fox 5 expressing his disappointment: "It came to my attention that you chose to blur out the Blackfeet logo in a recent news story. That was very insulting. The logo depicting a Blackfeet Warrior was inspired by my late grandfather Tribal Leader Blackie Wetzel and is a source of pride for my family and the Native American community."

Senator Daines emphasized that he believes any franchise or organization should be honored to be associated with Native Americans' patriotism and pride. He stated, "I find it appalling that Fox 5 apparently feels differently, and I believe the Wetzel family and other Native Americans across the country are owed an explanation."

Daines spoke at a Senate hearing about this issue's history and significance. He is urging both the Washington Commanders football team and the National Football League (NFL) to collaborate with the Wetzel family to honor this legacy before he can support legislation allowing for their potential move back to Washington D.C.