The Cleveland Indians are among the professional sports teams caught in the controversy over the use of Native American symbols and culture.
With intense scrutiny over the name of the Washington Redskins, the Indians announced Friday that they would review the name of their own team. Manager Terry Francona on Sunday supported the decision.
MLB CLEVELAND INDIGENOS SAY THEY ARE OPEN TO THE POSSIBLE CHANGE OF NAME
“I have been thinking and thinking before publishing that statement,” Francona told reporters in a video conference, as reported by the Akron Beacon-Journal. “I know in the past, when I was asked about [it]Be it our name or Chief Wahoo, I think he would generally respond and say I know we never try to be disrespectful, and I still feel that way. But, I don’t think it’s a good enough answer today.
“I think it is time to move forward and not just say, it is a very difficult subject. It is also delicate. … I think I lead the American League in mistakes made in life, of which I am not necessarily proud. Even at my age, you don’t want to be too old to learn or realize that, maybe I have ignored some things, and I am ashamed of that, and try to be better. I was happy that we’re going to … [Indians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti, I and general manager Mike Chernoff]We have talked about this for years by ourselves. It didn’t have to be a meeting. I’m glad we’re open to listening, because I think that’s probably the most important thing right now, is to be willing to [listen]not necessarily just talk. “
The Indians removed Chief Wahoo’s logo from their own merchandise in 2016. The club has insisted that it had no intention of belittling Native Americans with its name and logo.
REDSKINS NAME CHANGE CONTROVERSY DRAWS FANS RESPONSES
The Indians said Friday that they were open to change.
“We have had ongoing organizational discussions on these issues,” the team said in a statement. “The recent social unrest in our community and our country has only underlined the need for us to continue to improve as an organization on issues of social justice.”
Earlier, Indian owner Paul Dolan said he and MLB commissioner Rob Manfred preferred to keep the Indians’ name, Cleveland.com reported.
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“While the focus of the baseball world shifts to the excitement of an unprecedented 2020 season, we recognize our unique place in the community and are committed to listening, learning, and acting in the way that can best unite and inspire our city and everyone. those who support our team, “said the club.
Dom Calicchio of Fox News contributed to this report.
