Skip to main content
Larry Brown Sports Tagline. Brown Bag it, Baby.
#pounditFriday, March 29, 2024

Braves eliminate foam tomahawks for Game 5 over Cardinals pitcher’s comments

Braves Tomahawk Chop

St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Ryan Helsley’s comments about the “disrespectful” Tomahawk Chop have resulted in an immediate change from the Atlanta Braves.

As first reported by Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Braves will not distribute their famous foam tomahawks for the decisive Game 5 of the NLDS on Wednesday.

In a statement, the organization also stated that the chant music and graphics will not be used while Helsley is pitching.

Two ballpark officials confirmed that the changes were a direct response to Helsley’s comments. The Cardinals pitcher, whose mother is full-blooded Cherokee, felt the chants “devalue” Native American history and heritage.

The Braves initially responded to Helsley’s comments by stating they would evaluate the chop after the season. They ultimately didn’t even wait to get rid of the famous foam tomahawks that have been closely identified with the team and chant for nearly three decades. It doesn’t sound like the chant itself will be entirely eliminated, and there’s nothing stopping fans from making the movements with their hands when it is done, but it’s certainly a huge change before a pivotal playoff game.

.

Subscribe and Listen to the Podcast!

Sports News Minute Podcast
comments powered by Disqus