Atlanta Braves respond to Tomahawk Chop criticism, what next?
The Atlanta Braves responded to Ryan Helsley after his comments to a St. Louis reporter, Derrick Goold that called the Tomahawk Chop chant “disrespectful’ and ‘caveman-like behavior.’
Judging from Facebook and Twitter comments on the internet, it’s definitely not what most Atlanta Braves fans would have said themselves, it was actually quite the opposite.
In a story published on Saturday, Tomahawk Take discussed the fact that the Atlanta Braves beloved chant, the Tomahawk Chop had come under fire again. This time it was a player that took exception.
To review things, it was St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Ryan Helsley who took to the media to express his displeasure with the Atlanta Braves chant that was first used in sports by the Florida State Seminoles and is actively used by at least three other college and professional sports teams.
From the USA Today piece on the topic, The Atlanta Braves said that they “appreciate and take seriously” St. Louis Cardinals’ pitcher Ryan Helsley’s concerns. They also continued on to say that they have “worked to honor and respect the Native American community through the years.”
Here’s the official Atlanta Braves statement:
“Our organization has sought to embrace all people and highlight the many cultures in Braves Country,” the team said Saturday in a statement. “We will continue to evaluate how we activate elements of our brand, as well as the in-game experience, and look forward to a continued dialogue with those in the Native American community once the season comes to an end.”
What does this mean for the chop?
Some have speculated that the Atlanta Braves may stop providing the drumbeat and music for fans to perform the tomahawk chop to.
But, as one may imagine, it’s probably NOT going to stop fans from doing the decades-old tradition.
Another question is that if the Tomahawk Chop is altered, how far will it go? Will it extend out to getting rid of the hashtag and the slogan ‘Chop On?’
Will the tomahawk be removed from the Atlanta Braves uniform scheme? Would it go as far as the team needing to be renamed?
It’s hard to tell if the Atlanta Braves were just doing their duty in addressing a complaint about the team, or if they are actually going to sit down in meetings in the offseason, grind it out and see what they can figure out.
dark. Next. Time to change the narrative
What do you think the fate is of the Tomahawk Chop? Will things really change?