After years of debate, the result of which really should be a clear thumbs-down on the Cleveland Indians’ repulsive monicker, State Sen. Eric Kearney (Cincinnati) has stepped in, submitted a resolution to the General Assembly, and, in the words of one local pundit, finally “put this thing to bed.”

Indeed, the one-time running mate of perennial also-ran gubernatorial candidate Ed FitzGerald has dropped a little resolution into the Statehouse waters urging his co-legislators to adopt a NO stance against Chief Wahoo and the Cleveland Indians team name. Here’s the nut:

“A team named the Indians, or one that carries a mascot of a stereotypical Native American caricature, such as Chief Wahoo, is an affront to Native Americans…and [a]n evolving sense of decency and respect demand that the Cleveland Indians change their nickname and mascot…”

Too true. And thankfully Kearney has shown this issue the light it deserves. 

This article appears in Aug 6-12, 2014.

Eric Sandy is an award-winning Cleveland-based journalist. For a while, he was the managing editor of Scene. He now contributes jam band features every now and then.

8 replies on “State Sen. Eric Kearney of Cincinnati Wants the Cleveland Indians to Change Their Name”

  4. Kearney is a buffoon. A true politician doing nothing but stumping! I find it hard to believe that a State Senator has nothing of greater importance to resolute against than the nickname and mascot of a professional sports team. The Cincinnati Enquirer quoted the following Kearney statement: “Cleveland’s professional baseball franchise is a great organization with a rich history. By changing its name and mascot, the organization will be making a symbolic decision that would show that much has changed since 1915 when the name was adopted. I encourage the team not to pass on a legacy that carries racist undertones to future generations of fans.” Kearney was born in 1963, so he has no firsthand knowledge as to why the team owners chose the name and mascot. Was it meant to be derogatory? Racist? Maybe or maybe not, but in 2014 it’s irrelevant. It’s simply a name and logo! Future generations will view it in the same manner, unless of course our elected politicians and other opinionated experts continue to make news headlines by denouncing the name and mascot as being derogatory and racist. Kearney’s implication is that all past, present, and future generations of Indians fans are racists simply because of a team nickname and mascot selected by the owner(s) of a private business entity. This is 2014; please join us, Eric! And as for the Plain Dealer’s campaign calling for a name change, why do they continue to report on and publicize a team that would continue to use such an offensive and derogatory nickname? If they are so adamantly opposed to the use of such a racist name, then they should be willing to show their disgust and refuse to highlight the team in their sports section. Afterall, isn’t the old adage “put your mouth where your pocketbook is”?

  7. GET. A. LIFE. ERIC! He is obviously a Reds fan as he feels the need to whine and complain about the most insane things. Give it up! LONG LIVE THE CHIEF!

  8. At least Chief Wahoo paid his taxes. BTW Kearney, how’s that Lt. Governor campaign going? Oh, you dropped out?

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