Native American Group to Nike: Stop Producing Chief Wahoo Products

A Native American group is calling on Nike to stop producing and selling products that feature the Cleveland Indians' mascot Chief Wahoo, which it calls a "grotesque caricature" of modern Indians.

The logo, which appears on some team caps and jerseys, depicts a grinning, red-faced cartoon with a feather headband.

The Eradicating Offensive Native Mascotry group is planning a protest at Nike's Oregon headquarters in Beaverton this week and is running a social media campaign using the #Dechief hashtag.

Nike did not immediately return a call for comment regarding the mascot protest. Supporters of the logo say it's not racist and should be respected because it is part of the team's history.

The group's effort is part of a larger national debate over use of Native American names and logos in sports — imagery that many consider offensive.

Hundreds of high school and college teams across the country have done away with their Native American nicknames. But many others have steadfastly held to their mascots and logos, prompting continuing protests.

Lawmakers in Oregon this year eased up on a ban on Native American mascots, opening the door for some schools to keep them.