The Cleveland Indians have decided to change their nickname as they move away from the rich who have worked for more than 100 years, but many consider the tribal people to be insensitive. Jim Bowden of CBS Sports Headquarters confirmed the story, which was first reported in The New York Times. In a statement to CBS News, the group told the Times, “We have no opinion. We do not deny anything written.”
The newspaper said the group could announce it would change its nickname this week.
It’s not clear how Cleveland will refer to itself in the upcoming season. It is an option to keep the name for an additional year before switching to a new identity; Another is to go the way of Washington’s ownership of the National Football League, which dropped its “Redskins” nickname in July. The club later became known as the Washington Football Team. Cleveland will be called the Cleveland Baseball Team until a new nickname is resolved.
It has been more than two years since Cleveland’s end began to distance itself from the “Chief Wahoo” symbol. In July, when the Washington football team announced its changed identity, Cleveland announced that it was investigating “the best way forward” for its team name.
Later, CBS Sports’ Dane Perry offered a number of alternatives, including the ever-popular “Spiders”, “Rockers,” “Crows” and “Tobias”, referring to the American League Hall of Fame Larry Toby. The first black player.
Cleveland’s ownership has three other identities: Knobs (after Knapp Lazoi), Broncos and Blues. Of those, the only name that lasted beyond a season was Knobs.
While Cleveland appears to be moving towards a name change, there is no indication that the Atlanta Braves will follow suit. Braves has come under increasing criticism in recent years for promoting the “Tomahawk Chop” gesture.
This story first appeared on CBSSports.com