The Cleveland Indians are among the professional sports teams involved in the controversy surrounding the use of symbols and Native American culture.
With intensive scrutiny of the Washington Redskins name, the Indians announced on Friday that they would be reviewing their own team name. Manager Terry Francona supported the decision on Sunday.
MLB’s CLEVELAND INDIANS SAY YOU ARE OPEN TO POSSIBLE NAME CHANGES
“I thought about it and thought about it before we released this statement,” Francona told reporters in a video conference, the Akron Beacon Journal reported. “I know in the past when I was asked [it]Whether it’s our name or the Chief Wahoo, I think I would normally answer and say that I know we will never try to be disrespectful and I still feel that way. But I don’t think that’s a good answer today.
“I think it’s time to move forward and not just to say – it’s a very difficult topic. It’s sensitive too. … I think I’m leading the American League in mistakes in life that I’m not particularly proud of. Even at my age, you don’t want to be too old to learn or recognize that. Maybe I didn’t know some things, I was ashamed of it and tried to do better. I was glad that we – [Indians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti, I and general manager Mike Chernoff]We talked about it alone for years. It didn’t have to be a meeting. I am glad that we will be open to listening, because I think that is probably the most important thing to be ready at the moment [listen], not necessarily just talking. “
The Indians removed the Chief Wahoo logo from their own wares in 2016. The club insisted that it had no intention of belittling Indians with its name and logo.
REDSKINS NAME-CHANGE CONTROVERSY DRAWS FAN REPLIES
The Indians said Friday they were open to change.
“We have had organizational discussions on these issues,” the team said in a statement. “The recent social unrest in our community and in our country has only underlined the need for us as an organization to continue to improve on social justice issues.”
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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“As the baseball world shifts to the excitement of an unprecedented 2020 season, we recognize our unique place in the community and commit to listen, learn and act in the way that best unites and inspires our city and all of them can support our team, “said the club.
Fox News’ Dom Calicchio contributed to this report.
