In response, New York Liberty and Indiana Fever players began media blackouts on July 21, refusing to answer basketball-related questions and only commenting on questions concerning police brutality or the Black Lives Matter movement, among other social issues.
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Since the WNBA handed down fines to the three teams, other professional athletes have started to speak out in support of the players’ protests, including the New York Knicks’ Carmelo Anthony.
After members of the Minnesota Lynx, Indiana Fever and Phoenix Mercury were fined by the WNBA for wearing shirts supporting Black Live Matters and non-violence, members of the New York Liberty and Fever responded by only answering questions regarding “Black Lives Matters” following their game Thursday night.
“It’s unfortunate that the WNBA has fined us and not supported its players”, she added. She reflected on her decision in an Instagram post: “Today, I chose to not be silent in the wake of the @wnba fines against @nyliberty, @indianafever & @phoenixmercury due to our support in the #BlackLivesMatter movement.Seventy percent of the @wnba players are African-American women and as a league [are] collectively impacted”. According to that policy, all shirts worn during warmups must be the Adidas brand – the league’s official outfitter – and may not be altered in any way.
The teams were fined $5000 each, and the players $500.
“We really feel like there’s still an issue here in America”, Wright said.
As per New York Times, several National Basketball Association players also supported the move of WNBA players like Carmelo Anthony. “My teammates and I will continue to use our platform and raise awareness for the Black Lives Matter movement until the WNBA gives its support as it does for breast cancer awareness, [LGBT] Pride and other subject matters”. You know, just knowing my status, knowing the player I am representing this organization, if anybody was going to wear it, it had to be me. LeBron James and Derrick Rose wore “I Can’t Breathe” shirts in honor Eric Garner, who died after police placed him in a chokehold in 2014.
“It’s not mutually exclusive. If anything you should want to support them”, Anthony told ESPN Thursday.
Fever player Briann January said that what’s most upsetting is the league won’t side with its players who are mostly African American. The WNBA will go on hiatus for the Olympics this Saturday.
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“Our weeklong schedule of All-Star events and activities is meant to be a global celebration of basketball, our league, and the values for which we stand”, said the NBA in a statement.
