Detroit Lions denounce use of logo by white nationalist group in Charlottesville

Red Wings previously condemned use of logo by white nationalists

DETROIT – The Detroit Lions released a statement Tuesday denouncing the use of their logo by white nationalists during the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Here is the statement from the Lions:

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"We detest and disavow any use or implied use of the Detroit Lions logo or any of our marks in association with the event this past Saturday in Charlottesville.

"We value diversity as it represents the strong fabric of our team, the City of Detroit, the NFL, the game of football, our fans and our country
."

Red Wings previously condemned use of logo

The Detroit Red Wings also condemned the use of their logo Saturday after it was seen on signs in Charlottesville.

A group that goes by the "Detroit Right Wings" uses a red and white wing logo that is similar to the hockey team's logo.

"The Detroit Red Wings vehemently disagree with and are not associated with the event taking place today in Charlottesville, Va.," the team tweeted Saturday morning.

Unrest in Charlottesville

White nationalists and other right-wing groups gathered at a rally in Charlottesville. Mixed in the crowd was a logo familiar to many Detroiters. It was spotted on the flags and signs carried by those rallying.

The group calling itself the "Detroit Right Wings" has Detroiters perplexed.

"It's horrible that we still have that level of hate in the world where people have to do things like that to get attention for whatever cause they think they have," Ken Carrier said.

Red Wings fans are stunned to see this connection.

"I don't think the Red Wings want to associate themselves with anything like that," Lorraine Moore said. "They're a professional sports group and they've done nothing but positive things for the city."

It turns out the logos are alike, yet are different. When you look closely at the wheel, you can see the Red Wings logo has straight lines around the spoke, but the other logo has what some say is similar to a swastika.

"Isn't the wing wheel licensed by the Red Wings? Can't they object to it?" one person asked.

The Red Wings have objected. The team took to Twitter, saying it "vehemently disagree with and are not associated in any way with the events taking place," adding that it's "exploring every possible legal action as it pertains to the misuse of our logo in this disturbing demonstration."


About the Author:

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.