Tomahawk chop

The chop has been the source of controversy for decades and has been characterized as a racist caricature of Native American culture.

The "chop" has also been performed at the high school level, where hundreds of teams continue to use Native American names and imagery, which has been a factor in the ongoing movement to change these practices.

Since 2020, however, Kansas City Chiefs cheerleaders have been required to lead the chop with a closed fist rather than the traditional open palm.

[7] Before the 2024 Super Bowl, the Kansas City Chiefs were criticized by Native American advocacy groups for their use of the chop.

[10] While some have credited Deion Sanders for bringing the chop to Atlanta, it was Braves organist Carolyn King who started playing the "tomahawk song.

[10] The usage of foam tomahawks led to criticism from Native American groups that it was "demeaning" to them and called for them to be banned.

"[13] In 2016, when the Atlanta Braves played their last game at Turner Field before leaving for SunTrust Park, the last official act done at Turner Field was known as "The Final Chop", where the Atlanta Braves warchant was played one last time with fans doing the tomahawk chop.

In response, Braddy made a deal with Major League Baseball Properties to license the MLB symbol and receive logistical support in exchange for 10% of the profits.

[24] In June 2020 a petition was launched by a group of Exeter Chiefs supporters calling for an end to the club's use of Native American imagery, including the Tomahawk chop.

[35] In 2016, Native American groups asked the Kansas City Chiefs to stop doing the tomahawk chop.

During the series, St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher and Cherokee Nation member Ryan Helsley was asked about the chop and chant.

"[40] During the off-season, the Braves met with the National Congress of American Indians to discuss a path forward.