Los Angeles (AFP)
The Cleveland Indians, a Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise, opened the door on Friday for a name change in the midst of a debate over racism in the United States.
"We have already had internal discussions on these issues. Recent movements in society and in our country have only emphasized the need to improve ourselves, as an organization, in matters of social justice," wrote the American franchise in a communicated.
"We fully recognize that the name of our team is one of our most visible ties to society," say the Indians, whose names are criticized by anti-racist associations, who accuse the team of stereotyping Indigenous peoples by name. .
"We are committed to consulting with society and stakeholders to determine what to do with our team name," said the franchise.
The Indians, who have had this name since 1915, removed their Chief Wahoo mascot, a caricature of an Indian chief with red skin deemed racist, two years ago from their shirts and caps, without completely removing it from their accessories.
On Friday, another sports franchise, the Washington Redskins, playing in the American football elite (NFL), also said they were considering a name change, the word "Redskins" having a racist connotation in the States -United.
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