ALCS preview: Jerry Howarth's stand against Cleveland team name
In the final edition of the q sports panel, panellists discuss Jerry Howarth's refusal to say 'Indians,' the kick-off of the American League Championship Series and more.
q's sports culture panel thinks beyond the play-by-play to weigh in on the societal impact of sports stories. Not a fan? Not a problem. Our panel watches much more than the scoreboard.
Today marks the final edition of the q sports panel and Candy checks in with sports journalists Morgan Campbell and Dave Zirin. At issue today:
- Toronto Blue Jays announcer Jerry Howarth takes a stand against the Cleveland Indians. Howarth announced earlier this week that he won't be using the word "Indians" in the upcoming match-up series between Toronto and Cleveland. In an interview with The Fan 590, Howarth explains that this has been his stance ever since receiving a letter from an aboriginal fan in 1992.
- Toronto vs. Cleveland. Between the NBA playoffs and now the ALCS, is a nascent rivalry between the two cities underway?
- Race and identity in sports. With the national anthem protests, outcry over team names, and more and more teams and players speaking out in support of LGBTQ rights, are we in the midst of an important era of change when it comes to race and politics in sports?