The Atlanta Braves tomahawk chop and name controversy involves the name and tomahawk chop tradition by the Atlanta Braves, an American Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise. Native Americans have been questioning the Braves' mascot choices since the 1970s. Native American objections to the tomahawk chop received much attention during the 1990s and have continued into the 2020s. The Atlanta Braves and their fans continue their overwhelming support of the team name and chop tradition. History Chief Noc-A-Homa In 1972, Russell Means filed a $9 million lawsuit against the Cleveland Indians for their use of "Chief Wahoo". Means also objected to the Braves' use of Chief Noc-A-Homa. Means said, "What if it was the Atlanta Germans and after every home run, a German dressed in military uniform began hitting a Jew on the head with a baseball bat?" Means was unaware that Chief Noc-A-Homa was portrayed by a Native American, Levi Walker. For a week, controversy raged. Walker went on radio talk shows to defend Noc-A-Homa. He said, "I think Indians can be proud that their names are used with professional sports teams". Ultimately, Noc-A-Homa survived the controversy. Tomahawk chop The tomahawk chop originated at Florida State and was adopted by fans of the Atlanta Braves in 1991. Carolyn King, the Braves' organist, stated she wasn't influenced by Florida State. She had played the "tomahawk song" during most at-bats for a few seasons, but it finally caught on with Braves fans when the team started winning. The usage of foam tomahawks led to criticism from Native American groups that it was "demeaning" to them and calls for them to be banned. In response, the Braves' public relations director said that it was "a proud expression of unification and family". King, who did not understand the political ramifications, approached one of the Native American chiefs who were protesting. The chief told her that leaving her job as an organist would not change anything and that if she left, "they'll find someone else to play". Foam tomahawks were first created by foam salesman Paul Braddy in 1991 for the Braves, following their adoption of the tomahawk chop. Upon hearing Skip Caray say during a radio broadcast of an Atlanta Braves game that they needed tomahawks to accompany their newly acquired tomahawk chop celebration, Braddy approached the Braves' concessions manager, John Eifert, with a suggestion of a foam rubber tomahawk. Eifert agreed, providing they