TORONTO -- The Indians will not be barred from using their team name or logo in Toronto during the American League Championship Series, following a ruling by an Ontario judge on Monday.
Douglas Cardinal, who is a Canadian architect and an activist on behalf of indigenous people, filed a lawsuit against the ballclub, among others, ahead of Game 3 of the ALCS. The application was dismissed by Ontario Superior Court Justice Tom McEwen after a hearing on Monday. Cardinal argued to have the team's name and logo immediately banned from use in the province of Ontario.
The team issued the following statement: "The Indians are focused on competing in the postseason. We will not comment any further on matters that distract from our pursuit on the field."
"Major League Baseball appreciates the concerns of those that find the name and logo of the Cleveland Indians to be offensive," MLB said in a statement. "We would welcome a thoughtful and inclusive dialogue to address these concerns outside the context of litigation. Given the demands for completing the League Championship Series in a timely manner, MLB will defend Cleveland's right to use their name that has been in existence for more than 100 years."