State Senator Wants Cleveland Indians To Drop Name, Chief Wahoo

An Ohio state senator says it’s time for the Cleveland Indians to drop their nickname and Chief Wahoo mascot. Eric Kearney is a Democrat from Cincinnati. He introduced a resolution Wednesday that would encourage the team to adopt a new name and mascot, citing racial insensitivity. He also has sent a letter to the Indians’ owner. With the Indians in a series with Cincinnati, Kearney says it’s time to introduce the resolution. The legislature is on break. Indians President Mark Shapiro says the Chief Wahoo mascot represents the team’s heritage and will remain in place. American Indians and others have protested for years, complaining that the mascot mocks them. It’s part of a national debate over the use of Indian nicknames in sports that has regained momentum recently.