#Atlanta braves tomahawk chop series#

The leader of the North Carolina-based Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians expressed similar sentiments. 'It reduces Native Americans to a caricature and minimizes the contributions of Native peoples as equal citizens and human beings,' Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief James Floyd said in a statement to the Atlanta newspaper. The chant has been a part of the Braves' tradition since it was borrowed from Florida State University in the early 1990s. Fans of the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs have also done the tomahawk chant in their stadium, drawing more criticism. The National Football League's Washington Redskins have also faced continuing criticism for its nickname, which critics say denigrates Native Americans. 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. 'Just depicts them in this kind of caveman-type people way who aren't intellectual,' Helsley said. Louis Post-Dispatch during the Braves-Cardinals series. 'I think it's a misrepresentation of the Cherokee people or Native Americans in general,' Helsley told The St. He's one of only a few Native Americans in the majors.

Helsley is a member of the Cherokee Nation. Louis after Cardinals pitcher Ryan Helsley said he finds the chant insulting.

#Atlanta braves tomahawk chop series#

The Braves said they removed the tomahawks for the final game of their series with St. Fans at SunTrust Park raise the tomahawks and thrust them forward in a chopping motion, led by music and graphics on the video boards. The Braves did not distribute their traditional red foam tomahawks to fans before Game 5 of their National League Division Series vs. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that team representatives will hold the talks during the offseason about deciding whether to keep the tomahawk chop tradition.