The Cleveland Indians are changing their name after 105 years.

Citing three people familiar with the decision, The New York Times reported Sunday night that the team is moving away from a name considered racist for decades. The Indians have been internally discussing a potential name change for months.

A team spokesman told The Associated Press the franchise has no immediate comment on the report.

The Times said the team could make a formal announcement later this week. ItB次元官网网址檚 not known when the name change will take effect or if the team has settled on a new moniker.

ClevelandB次元官网网址檚 move away from Indians follows a similar decision earlier this year by the NFLB次元官网网址檚 Washington Football Team, which was previously known as the Redskins.

For years, Native American groups and others have protested against ClevelandB次元官网网址檚 use of Indians as its name as well as other imagery used by the American League charter franchise founded in 1901. Last year, the team removed the contentious Chief Wahoo logo from its caps and jerseys, but the smiling, cartoonish mascot has remained popular and merchandise is still sold bearing its image.

The Indians have dealt with a backlash from fans upset over Chief WahooB次元官网网址檚 removal and the club is certain to hear more with the decision to change its name.

B次元官网网址淥h no! What is going on?B次元官网网址� President Donald Trump tweeted. B次元官网网址淭his is not good news, even for B次元官网网址滻ndiansB次元官网网址�. Cancel culture at work!B次元官网网址�

In July, just hours after WashingtonB次元官网网址檚 plans became known after being pressured by several sponsors, including FedEx which holds naming rights to the footballB次元官网网址檚 teamB次元官网网址檚 stadium, Cleveland owner Paul Dolan released a statement saying the team would review B次元官网网址渢he best path forward with our team name.B次元官网网址�

In the months since, the team has consulted players, front office members, coaching staff, community leaders, share holders and Native American groups.

A few days after DolanB次元官网网址檚 statement, Indians manager Terry Francona said it was time to B次元官网网址渕ove forwardB次元官网网址� with the name change.

B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檝e been thinking about it and been thinking about it before we put out that statement,B次元官网网址� said Francona, who has been with the club since 2013. B次元官网网址淚 know in the past, when IB次元官网网址檝e been asked about, whether itB次元官网网址檚 our name or the Chief Wahoo, I think I would usually answer and say I know that weB次元官网网址檙e never trying to be disrespectful.

B次元官网网址淎nd I still feel that way. But I donB次元官网网址檛 think thatB次元官网网址檚 a good enough answer today. I think itB次元官网网址檚 time to move forward. ItB次元官网网址檚 a very difficult subject. ItB次元官网网址檚 also delicate.B次元官网网址�

Tom Withers, The Associated Press

Like us on and follow us on .

Want to support local journalism? Make a donation