The WNBA is distancing themselves from the co-owner of the Atlanta Dream, Sen. Kelly Loeffler for her objection to honor Black Lives Matter movement.
What We Know:
- Loeffler is the wealthiest member of the Senate. She wrote a letter regarding BLM and part of it warned the WNBA that “to subscribe to a particular political agenda undermines the potential of the sport and sends a message of exclusion”.
- The WNBA has since distanced themselves from her and has reported that Loeffler is no longer a part of their day-to-day business.
- In a statement, the organization commented, “The WNBA is based on the principle of equal and fair treatment of all people and we, along with the teams and players, will continue to use our platforms to vigorously advocate for social justice. The Atlanta Dream is not a political entity — we are in the business of sports and entertainment. The Dream players and staff are focused on building a successful team on the court, winning games and creating a second-to-none fan experience.”
- The WNBA announced to display “Black Lives Matter” on its basketball courts. The players also plan to wear “Black Lives Matter” across their warm-up jerseys and “Say Her Name” on the back. Loeffler urged the WNBA commissioner to cancel these plans and put American flags on the jerseys. She is also a Trump supporter.
- The WNBA Players Association has called for her removal following her comments.
E-N-O-U-G-H!
O-U-T!https://t.co/XgIS2vRb2X
— WNBPA (@TheWNBPA) July 7, 2020
https://twitter.com/Layshiac/status/1280584970831093762?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1280584970831093762%7Ctwgr%5E&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2020%2F07%2F07%2Fus%2Fkelly-loeffler-wnba-atlanta-dream-trnd%2Findex.html
As of Tuesday, Loeffler has not responded with any comments on the incident. She tweeted that the WNBA should stand for and unite around the American Flag.
