Prior to Game 5 of last year's NLDS, the Braves cancelled the distribution of 40,000 foam tomahawks GETTY IMAGES
The Braves have remained "publicly silent" about the use of the Tomahawk Chop during the '20 season following the controversy that came up during the NLDS last October, according to Jeff Schultz of THE ATHLETIC. There has been "nothing to this point indicating the end of the 'Chop' with accompanying music, or any rebranding of in-stadium traditions like the 'Chop House' restaurant or 'Tomahawk Team' spirit group." The Braves cancelled the distribution of 40,000 foam tomahawks prior to Game 5 of their NLDS after Cardinals P Ryan Helsley, who is Native American, complained about the Chop. However, Schultz noted the team "somewhat backed itself into a corner" following that move. Had team execs "done nothing immediately after Helsley's comments, it almost would've been easier for them to ignore the issue now." Schultz: "But by canceling the tomahawk giveaway and stating publicly that they planned to have 'dialogue' with the Native American community, the Braves are somewhat obliged to act" (THEATHLETIC.com, 2/10).
