Baseball
Related: About this forumI applaud Cleveland manager Terry Francona
His comments in the Plain Dealer today on changing the name of the Cleveland Indians. (Note that Francona has ties to the city of Cleveland that go way back to when his Dad played there).
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In the past, whether he was being asked about the Indians name or the recently retired Chief Wahoo logo, Francona would demur with a response that never quite satisfied those seeking a change.
I would usually answer and say I know that were never trying to be disrespectful, Francona told reporters Sunday during a Zoom call from Progressive Field. And I still feel that way. But I dont think thats a good enough answer today.
Francona now recognizes that simply kicking the can down the road on the teams name controversy will no longer suffice.
I think its time to move forward, Francona said.
The death of George Floyd, in which four Minnesota police officers have been arrested and charged with murder, has prompted a nationwide movement to eliminate symbols of racism and intolerance. The 61-year-old Tribe manager said even at his age, he wants to remain open to expanding his world view.
You dont want to be too old to learn or to realize that, maybe Ive been ignorant of some things, and to be ashamed of it, and to try to be better, Francona said.
https://www.cleveland.com/tribe/2020/07/terry-francona-on-cleveland-indians-name-controversy-its-time-to-move-forward.html
luvs2sing
(2,234 posts)I mean that in a good way. Hes always trying to be funny and self-deprecating but, when you read stuff like this, you realize he thinks a whole lot deeper than he lets on and is a whole lot smarter than he lets on. I adore Tito!
Ohiogal
(34,631 posts)If Tito, who works and practically lives with this diverse bunch of guys, for half a year every year (normally). comes to this conclusion, than thats good enough for me and it should be good enough for the fans. Hes very popular in Cleveland.
MyOwnPeace
(17,275 posts)he was raised in western Pennsylvania (New Brighton) and unfortunately there are still pockets of places here that would not necessarily take such an "enlightened" view.
Ohiogal
(34,631 posts)Im in NE Ohio about 15 min. from the PA line. We have our share of unenlightened folks around here,too.
brush
(57,495 posts)I would like to hear from a native American on this. The name "Indian" doesn't seem insulting to me like the logo was. Certainly not like the Washington football team's name. Now that's a racial slur. Enlighten me, pls.
Ive thought the Chief Wahoo image was very embarrassing for a long time, but its unbelievable the number of Tribe fans who made a big stink over getting rid of it.
farmbo
(3,139 posts)Clevelands Negro team from the 1940s... and two time Negro World Series winners.
And if the OSU Buckeyes wont go along... well stage an alumni uprising.