Chief Wahoo backers voice their support

Editor: I admit that I am a diehard Cleveland Indians fan from a baby to more than 40 years. I was not surprised but not thrilled to see Michael Arace’s column (last Sunday) about getting rid of Chief Wahoo.

I have to ask, when did everything start offending everyone? We have animal lovers, so should we have no more Lions, Tigers or Bears? I am sure Pirates are fretting in the oceans. There are bird lovers, so no more Cardinals or Orioles. Oh, and my son is allergic to nuts, so let’s get rid of the Buckeyes!

This is America and many more people would vote for the love of the Indians than would vote against it. Keep Chief Wahoo! Chris Neptune, Dublin Chris: Just because a caricature of a grinning Indian doesn’t offend you doesn’t mean it doesn’t deeply offend (or even mildly offend) others. Is Wahoo as bad as the use of the word Redskins, a clear pejorative? I would argue it’s not. But why is it necessary?

Editor: That was a very weak effort by Mr. Arace, who must be bored to resurrect tired arguments for a nonissue that seemingly only sportswriters care about: the Chief Wahoo logo. But why limit the argument to the Indians’ cartoon character?

• Where is the outrage regarding the Chicago Blackhawks’ Indian warrior logo?

• Is the Florida State Seminoles’ logo and mascot racist? Is it offensive to watch the majestic rider on the Appaloosa horse gallop into FSU’s stadium throwing a flaming spear into the ground?

• Is anyone offended by Braves fans in Atlanta yelling a war cry and doing the “Tomahawk Chop”?

DJ Sebastian, Columbus DJ: Actually, there has been criticism (milder, to be sure) about the Blackhawks logo. And Florida State got a pass from the NCAA because the Seminole tribe supports the name. But many other teams, pro and college, have ditched their Indian-themed imagery. Anyone seen Chief Noc-A-Homa lately?

Editor: It is clear that athletic director Gene Smith could not care less what happens to the Ohio State men’s basketball team. To have all the defections of the past two years continue with no changes in the coaching staff is ludicrous.

Now we have a former starter leaving the team and no statement is forthcoming for over a month? Why is this allowed to happen? It’s Football U., that’s why. Imagine Urban Meyer pulling crap like Thad Matta has been allowed.

Matta needs to go, along with the rest of the so-called coaching staff. Basketball at Ohio State used to be fun to watch. Man up, Mr. Smith, and do your job! Give the fans something to cheer about for a change.

Dave Dildine, Grove City Dave: I assure you that Gene Smith does care about the basketball program because there is no athletic director in America who welcomes the sound of crickets in his arena. But it also seems clear that Matta faces a make-or-break season.