Several WNBA teams wore “Vote Warnock” shirts ahead of their Tuesday night games. Reverend Raphael Warnock is Georgia Senator Kelly Loeffler’s opponent in the upcoming November Election.
What we know:
- The “Vote Warnock” shirts were sported by several teams, including the Atlanta Dream, which Loeffler co-owns. Loeffler recently came under fire for calling on the WNBA to end their support of Black Lives Matter. The WNBA continues their support of the movement with warm-up shirts, signs on the court, and displays during the national anthem. The WNBA Players Association has demanded Loeffler step down from her role as Atlanta Dream co-owner.
https://twitter.com/chicagosky/status/1290750982356336641
- Loeffler responded to the shirts with a statement: “This is just more proof that the out of control cancel culture wants to shut out anyone who disagrees with them.” She added, “It’s clear that the league is more concerned with playing politics than basketball.” The players have received support from fans and politicians, including Stacey Abrams and Warnock himself. According to the New York Times, Abrams is an advisor to the WNBA Players Association and was consulted on the idea for the shirts. Warnock said that he was “proud to stand” with the players and that they showed “courage and resolve.”
- Loeffler was appointed to the Senate by Governor Brian Kemp after former Senator Johnny Isakson resigned. Before the backlash for opposing Black Lives Matter, Loeffler was investigated for insider trading after making mysterious stock trades before the coronavirus became a pandemic in the U.S. After she denounced Black Lives Matter, corporate donors Sony and Target have disagreed with her and said that they would reconsider their support of her campaign.
Elizabeth Williams, center for the Atlanta Dream, posted a picture of herself wearing the “Vote Warnock” shirt, calling for her followers to kick out Loeffler and embrace the spirit and vision of the late John Lewis.
We are @wnba players, but like the late, great John Lewis said, we are also ordinary people with extraordinary vision. @ReverendWarnock has spent his life fighting for the people and we need him in Washington. Join the movement for a better Georgia at https://t.co/hC8iF9urak pic.twitter.com/mvN5e9m4oO
— Elizabeth Williams (@E_Williams_1) August 4, 2020
