#Braves tomahawk chop update

Perception of the chant is divided between those who view it as camaraderie among Braves fans in the stadium and others who say it is a racist - and inaccurate - depiction of Native American culture. Not only the name, but the tradition of the 'tomahawk chop.' The 'chop' has been a part of the team's home games for about three decades, with fans echoing a chant as they rock their arms back and forth in a chopping motion.Īs the Braves take center stage in the World Series, the tomahawk chop is facing scrutiny on the national stage. One that has stayed in place has been the Atlanta Braves. High school teams across the country are renaming their athletic programs from other Native American terms as well. The Cleveland Indians will be known as the Cleveland Guardians starting next year. The Washington Redskins have changed their name to the Washington Football Team as they examine new name options. “We will continue to evaluate how we activate elements of our brand, as well as the in-game experience, and look forward to a continued dialogue with those in the Native American community once the season comes to an end.”ĬNN’s Amanda Jackson contributed to this report.There has been a bit of a reckoning in the sports world as of late. Our organization has sought to embrace all people and highlight the many cultures in Braves Country,” the Braves statement said. Helsley and have worked to honor and respect the Native American community through the years. “We appreciate and take seriously the concerns of Mr.

#Braves tomahawk chop update

It remains to be seen whether the team will eliminate the controversial tradition.īeth Marshall, a representative for the Braves, referred CNN to an earlier statement, and said that she would provide an update when there is more information available. The Braves announced before Game 5 of the NLDS that it would “reduce” the use of the tomahawk chop by not distributing the foam souvenirs on seats and not playing the accompanying music or using chop-related graphics when Helsley was in the game.īut those changes were only for Game 5, which marked the end of the postseason for the Braves after a 13-1 loss to the Cardinals.

“Hopefully Ryan’s actions will better inform the national conversation about inappropriate depictions of Native Americans.” “The Cherokee Nation is proud of tribal citizen and Cardinals pitcher Ryan Helsley for speaking out against stereotypes and standing up for the dignity of Native Americans in this country,” he said in a statement to CNN. It’s just disrespectful, I think,” he added.Ĭherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. It’s about the misconception of us, the Native Americans, and it devalues us and how we’re perceived in that way, or used as mascots.” “It’s not me being offended by the whole mascot thing. “I think it’s a misrepresentation of the Cherokee people or Native Americans in general,” Helsley, who is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, told the St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Ryan Helsley criticized the tomahawk after Game 2 of the National League Division Series. Earlier this month, that debate was reignited when St. The tomahawk chop has long raised objections about the way it depicts Native Americans. It’s now widely associated with the Braves, who often leave foam tomahawks for fans on seats during home games.

The motion started at Florida State University but was adopted by the Braves in 1991 following the signing of former FSU three-sport star Deion Sanders. The tomahawk chop involves fans moving their forearms forward and backward with an open palm in a chopping motion and is usually accompanied by chants. “It reduces Native Americans to a caricature and minimizes the contributions of Native peoples as equal citizens and human beings.” “Although the Tomahawk Chop may be a game day tradition, it is not an appropriate acknowledgment of tribal tradition or culture,” Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief James R. The Braves did not specify which tribal nations it planned to talk to.

The comments from Cherokee and Creek chiefs come after the Atlanta Braves said the team would hold a “continued dialogue” with Native Americans during the Major League Baseball offseason about whether to keep the decades-old tradition. Chiefs of tribal nations that once inhabited Georgia say that the Atlanta Braves’ tomahawk chop is insensitive and inappropriate.