The recent name change of the Cleveland Indians' official name has been described as an attempt to "erase" history, according to an Ohio sheriff.

According to Fox News, Sheriff of Portage County Bruce Zuchowski lambasted the baseball team's recent decision to change its name to the "Cleveland Guardians" in a recent Facebook post.

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In an irate statement issued from the Sheriff's Office on July 24, Zuchowski claimed to have boycotted sports for the last three years and argued that the team's previous name was not offensive or racist towards Native Americans.

Zuckowski stated: "My wife is a descendent from the Cherokee and Blackfoot American Indian tribe. Both she and her relatives never viewed the Cleveland Indians as a biased or prejudiced team, but rather their hometown baseball franchise.

"This is once again another attempt of trying to erase our history due to the outcry of the few that affects the many."

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He continued: "These unfortunate decisions are being made while continuously impacting individuals and industries across the nation.

"Both lawmakers and decision-makers need to begin to think about the majority of their constituents before caving to the impulsive demands being made by a small group of the public."

The baseball team has been known as the Cleveland Indians since 1911 - but in December of 2020, owner Paul Dola announced that the name would be changed as a reaction to George Floyd's death at the hands of ex-cop Derek Chauvin.

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In an official statement, Dola wrote: "Indians will always be part of our history just as Cleveland has always been the most important part of our identity."

He continued by acknowledging that the name change might be difficult for longtime fans to adjust to, adding: "In searching for a new brand, we sought a name that strongly reflects the pride, resiliency, and loyalty of Clevelanders.

"Guardians embodies those defining attributes while drawing upon the iconic Guardians of Traffic proudly standing just outside Progressive Field on the Hope Memorial Bridge."

Featured Image Credit: Alamy/Russel Kord

Cleveland Indians name change 'another attempt of trying to erase our history,' Ohio sheriff says