Stop The Chop? Heck No, Scream Braves Fans

In 1992, with Native Americans protesting "The Chop" and the "The Chant" and the "Braves" name outside Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium in the World Series, Atlanta Braves executive Stan Kasten would not bow to the theatrics.

Why now?, Kasten demanded of the protesters. Where were you months ago when the stage was not so grand? If they cared about the issue so much why wait until the World Series? Kasten, who is now with the Dodgers, said the protesters unfairly leveraged the moment and he dismissed the protests. The issue subsided in the media.

Which brings us to St. Louis pitcher Ryan Helsley. Braves fans want to know where he was months ago. When the National League Division Series started, Helsley, who has Native American heritage, complained about the insensitivity of the "Chop" to Native Americans.

Wednesday, before Game 5 of the National League Division Series at Sun Trust Park, the Braves did not give out foam tomahawks and reduced the music for the chant.

"Out of respect for the concerns expressed by Mr. Helsley, we will take several efforts to reduce the Tomahawk Chop during our in-ballpark presentation today," the Braves said in a statement.

The Braves said they would not play the accompanying music to the chant or use any "Chop-related graphics" on their scoreboard when Helsley is in the game. The music for the chant was played in the first inning when Josh Donaldson reached base.

"As stated earlier, we will continue to evaluate how we activate elements of our brand, as well as the overall in-game experience," the team's statement said. "We look forward to a continued dialogue with those in the Native American community after the postseason continues."

Braves' fans scoffed.

"It was a postseason head game," said Josh Frank, 27, of Kennesaw, "and he (Helsley) won."

"It absolutely reduced the crowd, made it less intimidating to the opponent," said Eric Fowler, the head baseball coach at East Hall High School. "You don't have 50,000 fans rocking the chop."

Braves fans had a lot to be mad about here Wednesday in Game 5 of the NLDS against the Cardinals. It was an epic fail, down 10-0, in the first inning in front of a sellout of 43,122 in an eventual 13-1 loss.

What infuriated the fans was their front office caving to politics.

"Our people shouldn't be doing this now, not in the playoffs," said Carlos Dominguez of Kennesaw. "We suddenly stop a tradition. Now. In the playoffs. Whatttt?"

"It's been going since 1995 when I was a kid," said Fowler, the coach from East Hall. "But we live in a politically correct world. I don't blame the Braves for doing it, but I don't agree with it."

The organization is going to be applauded throughout many parts of diverse Atlanta. It was an especially bold move for the Braves because the ballpark is in a predominantly conservative area___with a mostly conservative fan base___ where political correctness does not count for much.

Is this the first step to getting rid of the Chant and Chop for good?

A survey of fans made it clear where they stood on the Chant and Chop.

Stop the Chop? Twelve fans were asked and all 12 said "No". Leave the tradition alone.

"Put down 10 no's for me," shouted one fan.

The absence of foam tomahawks didn't stop the fans from using their arms in the chopping motion, though. In the fourth inning the club even allowed the music to be played that accompanies the chop when the home team loaded the bases.

Paul Hodson, 29 of Lilburn said the Braves should not abandon the Chop and Chant, but try and find a way to legitimize them. "Find a Native American to identify with and give it some legitimacy. That's what the Seminoles did at Florida State.

"Nobody wants to be a part of something perceived as being racist, and that bothered the Braves (organization)."

"If you stop the chop, then change the name, no more Braves," said Robert Trice, 31, of Cobb County.

"This is something that should have been talked about after the season," he said. "Not now. I'm very upset about the chop going away."

Braves fans may have the last word with management, but a Cardinals fan got away with biting words as he walked the concourse with St. Louis leading 13-1.

"The Chop stops here," he yelled. For one day, at least, he was right.