ATLANTA – The Atlanta Braves say they have no plans to follow the lead of the NFL's Washington franchise and change their team name.
"We will always be the Atlanta Braves," the team said in a letter sent to season-ticket holders Friday and obtained by the Associated Press Monday.
The tomahawk chop chant used by Braves fans is under review, however. The team said in the letter it is seeking input from the Native American community, fans, players and former players as it examines the fan experience, including the chant.
The tomahawk chop has been popular with fans since the early 1990s. The team often distributes red foam tomahawk cutouts used by fans who "chop" during the chant. The chant caused a stir in last year's NL Division Series when St. Louis pitcher Ryan Helsley, a member of the Cherokee Nation, said he found the chant insulting.
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