Wouldn't surprise me if a groups of lawyers/entrepreneurs are backing some of the protests. After all, there's money to be made in trademarking potential names in advance.
Man trademarks over a dozen possible names for Washington NFL team as they get rid of "Redskins" - CBS News
BTW, anyone protesting the San Diego State Aztecs?
[Sarcasm]
Evidently it's okay for a tribe to use its own name, such as in conjunction with operating a casino -- where it gets the money. Yup, totally, uh, dignified use. However, it apparently becomes inappropriate when using a tribe name on something unsavory, such as a Major League Baseball team or college/high school athletic program -- where the tribe isn't getting (much of) a cut of the revenue. Okay, got it.
[/Sarcasm]
The Cleveland Indians basically retired the Chief Wahoo logo following the 2018 season, replacing it with a block "C". I agree that should have been done long ago.
Can't wait for animal rights activists to start protesting and demanding teams stop using Tigers, Wildcats, Bears, Huskies, Gators, Longhorns, Eagles, Ducks, Bison, Spiders, Bees, Gamecocks, Panthers, Marlins...
Or perhaps UNC Tarheels
Does UNC's 'Tar Heels' name celebrate the Confederacy? Some think it's time for change. (fayobserver.com)