A guest host on ESPN’s “Mike & Mike" program stirred considerable controversy for questioning the existence of Indian mascots on Thursday.
Bomani Jones wore a "Caucasian" t-shirt that parodies the mascot of the Cleveland baseball team. He offered a simple reason for his clothing choice.
"So, to have a problem with the logo of this, would be to have a problem with the Indians, but if you’re quiet about the Indians, and you got something to say about my shirt, I think it’s time for introspection," Jones said after the other host asked him to address the "elephant in the room."
But ESPN "freaked out" and made Jones cover up the shirt, TMZ first reported. He zipped his sweatshirt to hide more of the "Caucasian" logo -- which looks a lot like the
Chief Wahoo logo, except without the racist and stereotypical red face.
"As the show progressed, we felt Bomani had made his point and had openly discussed why he was wearing the shirt, and we wanted to keep the focus to the topics of the day," ESPN told TMZ.
The
shirt is made by Shelf Life Clothing of Cleveland. It enjoyed a
surge in popularity after
Deejay NDN of
A Tribe Called Red was seen
wearing it.
The company also makes a
"disparaging"
t-shirt that pokes fun at the Washington
NFL team.
Get the Story:
Please Cover Up 'Caucasian' Shirt
(TMZ 4/7)
Sources: ESPN indeed told Bomani Jones to cover his Cleveland ‘Caucasians’ shirt
(The Washington Post 4/7)
Bomani Jones Wears Shirt
(Deadspin 4/7)
Small group demands Indians drop Chief Wahoo logo
(AP 4/4)
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