Episode Details

As you’d expect, reaction has been swift and full-throated from Chiefs fans and others about the team’s announcement it’s banning headdresses and Native American-style face-painting at Arrowhead Stadium.

The team said it made the decision after years of consulting with local leaders from Native American backgrounds. Those discussions have been happening since 2014.

Some fans say the team has gone too far with these changes, and that it will hurt fan engagement. Others say the Chiefs were long overdue in implementing these things.

The Chiefs have expanded their talks with national interest groups on this topic and said in their Thursday statement that they are still considering the future of other Arrowhead traditions, such as “The Chop” and the pre-game beating of their war drum. They also said they’re exploring a more formalized education program about Native American culture.

On this episode of SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast, columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam Mellinger join host Blair Kerkhoff to discuss. Each has written about the topic of appropriation of Native customs and imagery, and in this podcast they debate whether the team has made the right moves and/or gone far enough, and what might be next for the organization.

Story links:

Chiefs to ban fans from wearing headdresses and will review Arrowhead chop at stadium

A statement from the Kansas City Chiefs

Chiefs fans have mixed opinions about whether Arrowhead chop should remain

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