The Atlanta Braves confirmed on Sunday that they will not be changing their team name. However, they are now looking into the popular Tomohawk Chop celebration, which is traditionally performed by the team and its fans.
In a communication to season-ticket holders, the Braves stated that they will not be following in the footsteps of the Washington Redskins and Cleveland Indians in contemplating a name change. The team assured its supporters that they will continue to be known as the Braves, despite recent discussions questioning whether the name is offensive to the Native American community.
According to a statement shared on Twitter by Paul Lukas from Uni Watch blog and reported by ESPN, the Braves expressed their commitment to honoring, respecting, and valuing the Native American community. The organization emphasized its dedication to diversity and respect for all individuals, underscoring that these values will always remain unchanged.
The Braves highlighted their ongoing collaboration with the Eastern Band of the Cherokees (EBCI) and other tribal leaders to enhance cultural understanding, education, outreach, and recognition. They clarified that changing the team’s name is not being considered as they hold the name in high regard, a sentiment also shared by the Native American communities they engage with.
The team’s iconic tomahawk chop, which gained popularity during Deion Sanders’ tenure with the team in the 1990s after playing for the Florida State Seminoles, is now under scrutiny. The Braves acknowledged that while the chop serves as a source of inspiration for their players, they are taking a closer look at this gesture.
In the context of fan engagement, including the tomahawk chop, the Braves are actively addressing various concerns with the input of an advisory group. The team expressed its commitment to listening to the Native American community, fans, players, and alumni to ensure that any decisions made regarding this aspect of the fan experience are well-informed.
