Report: Cleveland MLB team to shed 'Indians' nickname

Months after the NFL team in Washington dropped its "Redskins" nickname, the Cleveland Indians of Major League Baseball may be on the verge of making a similar announcement. 

According to the New York Times, which cites three people familiar with the situation, the team could announce that it is dropping the "Indians" nickname as soon as this week. The report states: 

"Following years of protests from fans and Native American groups, the Cleveland Indians have decided to change their team name, moving away from a moniker that has long been criticized as racist, three people familiar with the decision said Sunday."

The team has yet to announce anything regarding the report, though the New York Times notes that one of its sources said the nickname change may not happen until after the upcoming 2021 season. 

After dropping its racist nickname prior to the beginning of the current NFL season, the team in the nation's capital has yet to choose a replacement nickname, instead being referred to as the Washington Football Team. 

Cleveland plays in the American League Central Division where they have been favored alongside the Minnesota Twins as division favorites each of the past few seasons.