Posted on 10/09/2019 3:34:28 PM PDT by RummyChick
The Atlanta Braves did NOT pass out their traditional foam tomahawks prior to Game 5 of the NLDS on Wednesday ... after St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Ryan Helsley -- a member of the Cherokee tribe -- spoke out against the promotion.
FYI -- the Braves have passed out the foam tomahawks on each seat in the stadium for postseason games in the past ... and adopted the accompanying chant from Florida State when Deion Sanders played for Atlanta in the 1990s.
Helsley made it clear he wasn't a fan of the props -- or the "Tomahawk Chop" chant that comes with it -- earlier in the Cards' series with ATL ... saying it misrepresents Native Americans.
"[It] just depicts them in this kind of caveman-type people way who aren't intellectual," Helsley told the St. Lois Post-Dispatch.
"They are a lot more than that. It's not me being offended by the whole mascot thing. It's not. 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."
The Braves heard Helsley loud and clear ... because the foam tomahawks have been completely removed from the stadium.
“Out of respect for the concerns expressed by Mr. Helsley, we will take several efforts to reduce the Tomahawk Chop during our in-ballpark presentation today," the Braves said in a statement.
"Among other things, these steps include not distributing foam tomahawks to each seat and not playing the accompanying music or using Chop-related graphics when Mr. Helsley is in the game."
"As stated earlier, we will continue to evaluate how we activate elements of our brand, as well as the overall in-game experience."
"We look forward to a continued dialogue with those in the Native American community after the postseason concludes.”
(Excerpt) Read more at tmz.com ...
One snowflake complains and the entire city knuckles under?
Pathetic.
In more ways than one. It's 13-0 Cardinals after 3 innings
By the time the democrats are done, there will be no trace of groups or history they don’t approve of.
As an Atlantan this is unacceptable.....
The Tomahawk, Brave’s name and chant is to honor Indian heritage not denigrate it.....
It is a sign of respect........
And. 10-0 first inning.. karma is a b$tch
Another reason not to watch professional sports. Screw them.
Good thing snowflake doesn’t have to bat otherwise Cards fans would let him have it.
The American Indians are not the only people who used axes in battle.
If you honestly believe that people who do the tomahawk chop are somehow demeaning modern native Americans and think of them as cavemen Ryan, then you are an idiot.
Surprised Libs are demanding we rename Tomahawk military stuff
Ugh!
Did stone age man do this around the world?
LOL, the Braves are getting their asses kicked 13-1 right now.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Indian spirits express disapproval of new policy
At this point, they are still going to use it just not when an Indian snowflake is on the field.
That may change. They may get bullied into giving it up entirely.
National League. Pitchers bat.
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