By: April Feng

Manager Terry Francona of the Cleveland Indians has announced his intention to change the Indians’ controversial nickname. “I think it’s time to move forward,” Francona said.

This announcement came just hours after the Washington Redskins announced similar intentions. Both teams have announced these considerations amid the recent nationwide movement towards the removal of racially discriminatory and racially charged symbols. The Indians recently released a statement stating that their team is “committed to engaging our community and appropriate stakeholders to determine the best path forward with regard to our team name.”

Similarly, the Redskins have announced the decision to review their long deemed racially insensitive nickname, with Coach Ron Rivera supporting the choice. This announcement has come after the encouragement of FedEx and several other sponsors of the team.

This change of name follows the removal of the Chief Wahoo logo from the Cleveland caps and jerseys last year. Although this nickname has been in place since 1915, Francona believes it’s time to stop sidestepping the topic.

“I’ve been thinking about it and been thinking about it before we put out that statement,” he said. “I know in the past, when I’ve been asked about, whether it’s our name or the Chief Wahoo, I think I would usually answer and say I know that we’re never trying to be disrespectful. And I still feel that way. But I don’t think that’s a good enough answer today. Even at my age, you don’t want to be too old to learn or to realize that, maybe I’ve been ignorant of some things, and to be ashamed of it, and to try to be better,” Francona said. “I’m glad that we’re going to be open to listening,” he continued, “because I think that’s probably the most important thing right now, is being willing to listen, not necessarily just talk.”