Kansas City Chiefs Ban Fans From Wearing Native American Headdresses And Face Paint

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The Kansas City Chiefs are implementing new policies this season to eliminate insensitive Native American imagery at home games.

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The team also said it recently began consulting with a national organization that works on issues affecting American Indian people and tribes, a process that informed its latest policy changes.

The team had been under increasing pressure to take action after Washington’s NFL franchise removed its longtime team name last month.

Thursday’s announcement leaves the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks and the MLB’s Atlanta Braves as the remaining pro-level teams with Native American mascots, names or imagery that have not made any changes.

In addition to the new measures, the Chiefs plan to continue existing in-person traditions like the Blessing of the Drum and the American Indian Heritage Month Game this season, in accordance with COVID-19 safety guidelines set by the league and the city.

The team recently finalized plans to welcome spectators back to Arrowhead Stadium, at 22% capacity and with other safety protocols.

NPR’s Russell Lewis contributed to this report.