ESPN's Bomani Jones defended the controversial "Caucasians" shirt he wore during "Mike and Mike" on Thursday, saying that to "have a problem with the logo of this would be to have a problem with the Indians."
The racially charged shirt depicts a yellow-colored Chief Wahoo mascot below the word "Caucasians," which is displayed in the same script used on the uniforms of the Cleveland Indians. Jones' statement comes after increased scrutiny over the club's use of the red-faced logo, which groups of protesters say is offensive to Native Americans.
"If you’re quiet about the Indians, and now have something to say about my shirt, I think it’s time for introspection. I think that's a fair thing to ask," Jones told ESPN's Molly Qerim during an additional segment after "Mike and Mike" aired.
The Indians have been scaling back the use of the Chief Wahoo logo in recent years, and in 2013, the club removed the logo from its home batting helmet altogether. However, it's still found on the sleeve of the team's jerseys, and Indians owner Paul Dolan recently said it will remain there as a "part of our history and legacy."
TMZ Sports reported Thursday that Jones' shirt concerned management at ESPN, and that he was asked to partially cover up the logo after discussing on air his reasoning behind wearing it. Jones later told Qerim that the Indians' logo is part of a larger issue regarding the use of Native American-based mascots, from the NFL's Washington Redskins to MLB's Atlanta Braves.
"Why would you make these people a mascot? Well, it’s based on the stereotypes that we've had of them in the past," he said. "So, what would be the justification for keeping them, or the need? And then Washington, where it's just a slur - a flat-out slur."
