The Cleveland Indians are considering a name change.
The club, with the NFL Washington Redskins launching an internal review of their team’s nickname this week, issued a statement late Friday stating a willingness to hold internal discussions about “the best way forward with regard to our team’s name.”
“We are committed to making a positive impact in our community and carrying out our responsibility to advance social justice and equality,” the team said in the statement. “Our organization fully recognizes the name of our team is one of the most visible ways in which we connect with the community.
“We have had an ongoing organizational discussion about these issues. The recent unrest in our community and our country only underlines our need to continue to increase as an organization on social justice issues.
“With that in mind, we are committed to engaging our community and the right stakeholders to determine the best path forward regarding the name of our team.
“While the focus of the baseball world shifts to the excitement of the 2020 season, we recognize our unique place in the community and are committed to listening, learning and acting in ways that can unite and inspire our city and all the best people. support our team. “
Based on Athletics, Cleveland plans to consult with the Native American community, fans, players, alumni, and staff before making a decision. The consideration of the new name comes as the country calls for social change and looks at history after George Floyd’s death in May.
The Cleveland baseball team, previously Bluebirds, Broncos, and Naps became Indians in 1915. In recent years, the franchise has made an effort to change, starting with removing Chief Wahoo’s logo in 2019 and voluntarily using block C instead.
