GOP Senator Who Co-Owns WNBA Team Opposes League’s “Divisive” Plan To Honor Black Lives Matter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports:

U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler objected to the WNBA’s plans to honor the Black Lives Matter movement, warning Tuesday that subscribing to a “particular political agenda undermines the potential of the sport and sends a message of exclusion.”

Loeffler, a Republican who co-owns Atlanta’s WNBA franchise, urged Commissioner Cathy Engelbert in a letter to scrap plans for players to wear warmup jerseys reading “Black Lives Matter” and “Say Her Name” and instead put an American flag on all uniforms and apparel.

“The truth is, we need less—not more politics in sports. In a time when polarizing politics is as divisive as ever, sports has the power to be a unifying antidote,” said Loeffler, who faces a November special election against 20 other candidates.

Yahoo Sports reports:

The reaction was firm, with the WNBPA calling for Loeffler’s ouster. The WNBA itself released a statement saying it will continue using its platform for social justice and noting Loeffler is no longer involved in her team’s day-to-day business.

Los Angeles Sparks star Candace Parker echoed the call to oust Loeffler in an interview with TNT, saying there is no place in the league for the senator. Former NBA All-Star and current TNT analyst Baron Davis went as far as offering to buy out Loeffler’s interest in the team on Twitter.

Loeffler has seen calls from many of the WNBA’s biggest stars — including Skylar Diggins-Smith, Natasha Cloud and Sue Bird — to be removed from the league over the last month, though she has bigger things to worry about at her other job.

Trying to add more politics to sports creates more division.

More than ever, we should unite around a symbol of equality & freedom — the American flag.

That shouldn’t be controversial.

RT if you agree! https://t.co/k3jzx1Fvvx #gapol #gasen

— Kelly Loeffler (@KLoeffler) July 8, 2020