Twitter Reacts: Fans Ridicule Cleveland Indians' Name Change

The Cleveland Indians will soon no longer be known as such.

Facing heavy backlash from the Native American community, the Cleveland baseball club announced Friday that it has decided to change its nickname to the "Guardians," effective at the end of the 2021 Major League Baseball season.

The name change follows the Washington Football Team's decision to drop its controversial "Redskins" nickname, prior to the start of the 2020 NFL season.

"We do feel like we're doing the right thing and that's what's driving this,'' team owner Paul Dolan said. "I know some people disagree, but if anything I've gotten more and more comfortable that we're headed in the right direction.

"And actually, the selection of the name solidifies that feeling because of the values that the name represents."

According to ESPN, "The name change has sparked lively debate among the city's passionate sports fans. Other names, including the Spiders, which was used by a now-defunct Cleveland team, were pushed by supporters on social media platforms."

Widespread reaction to Cleveland's decision to drop the "Indians" moniker has since ensued.

Here's a sample of what people had to say on Twitter regarding the news:

Sweet, so you're becoming an arena Football team!
— Tim Young (@TimRunsHisMouth) July 23, 2021

Was this really necessary?
— Mike Sullivan (@MikeSullivan) July 23, 2021

How about returning the mascot to Cleveland Spiders? It’s ready made for a Marvel partnership.
— Todd Moss (@mossman72) July 23, 2021

If Starlord isn't at Opening Day next year, I'll be more disappointed than what I already am...

The name, like this tweet, is a complete joke.
— Danny P. (@theshowdannyp) July 23, 2021

Has to be one of the worst team names in sports. And who the hell is Cleveland the Guardians of? Could have done so much better.
— Tony Stedry (@tsted19) July 23, 2021

Like the name

The logo needs some work tho
— Mikewach32 (@mikewach32) July 23, 2021

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