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SportsBeat KC: Paying attention critical step for Chiefs on name. And that SKC loss ...

How should the Kansas City Chiefs handle the team’s Native American imagery?
How should the Kansas City Chiefs handle the team’s Native American imagery? Associated Press file photo

On Monday, Washington’s NFL team announced it was dropping “Redskins.”

Other teams with Native American-related nicknames are re-examining their own imagery and branding. The Kansas City Chiefs have made no statement about this, but KC Star columnist Vahe Gregorian spoke recently to some Native American college professors about it. As one of the professors said, “That’s probably the most hurtful thing: that people don’t want to pay attention to what we have to say.”

On this episode of The Star’s daily SportsBeat KC podcast, Gregorian chats with host Blair Kerkhoff about how Sunday’s column came about and the reaction that’s followed. After a break, you’ll hear from Sporting KC coach Peter Vermes, who met with the media following the team’s heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Minnesota Sunday night in the MLS is Back Tournament.

Story links:

It’s time for the Chiefs to diffuse the cultural offenses they enable and reflect

Sporting KC blows 1-0 lead, loses starting keeper, loses to Minnesota 2-1 on two late goals

Blair Kerkhoff
The Kansas City Star
Blair Kerkhoff has covered sports for The Kansas City Star since 1989. He was elected to the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2023.
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