The Atlanta Braves announced on Sunday that the team will not be changing their name, however, they wil be reviewing the famed Tomohawk Chop, which is a well-known sports celebration that the team and fans engage in.
In an email to season-ticket holders, the team said it wouldn’t be following the Washington Redskins and Cleveland Indians in considering a name change. The team informed its fans that the Braves will remain the Braves amid recently renewed questions on whether the nickname was offensive to the Native American community.
“The Atlanta Braves honors, respects, and values the Native American community. As an organization, we have always drawn strength from our diversity and respect for everyone. That will never change,” the team said in an email posted on Twitter by Paul Lukas from Uni Watch blog, according to ESPN.
“Last fall, we furthered this relationship and pledged to meet and listen to Native American and tribal leaders from many areas, including the Eastern Band of the Cherokees (EBCI) in North Carolina,” the email continued. “As a result, we formed a cultural working relationship with the EBCI and have also formed a Native American Working Group with a diverse collection of other tribal leaders to collaborate on matters related to culture, education, outreach, and recognition on an on-going basis.”
The team said changing the Braves name “is not under consideration or deemed necessary.”
“We have great respect and reverence for our name and the Native American communities that have held meaningful relationships with us do as well. We will always be the Atlanta Braves,” according to the email.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral MLB stories via Google! Follow Us
The team’s tomahawk chop is under review, which reportedly became popular when Deion Sanders when he joined the team in the 1990s after he played for the Florida State Seminoles.
The team said the chop “continues to inspire our players on the field,” but they will look into the gesture.
“As it relates to the fan experience, including the chop, it is one of the many issues that we are working through with the advisory group,” the email said. “With that in mind, we are continuing to listen to the Native American community, as well as our fans, players, and alumni to ensure we are making an informed decision on this part of our fan experience.”
