“We are proud of WNBA players’ engagement and passionate advocacy for non-violent solutions to hard social issues but expect them to comply with the league’s uniform guidelines”, WNBA President Lisa Borders told the Associated Press.
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Borders continued, saying that since the WNBA is suspending play during the Summer Olympics, the league will use that time to work with the players and the players’ union to find a solution going forward.
The Indiana Fever, New York Liberty, Phoenix Mercury and their players all faced fines after they chose to wear warmup shirts to speak out about recent fatal shootings involving Alton Sterling, Philando Castile and the Dallas police officers. Unfortunately, WNBA rules do not allow players to use such material as pre-game warm-ups and the teams and players were both fined in the aftermath.
“We commend Lisa Borders for recognizing how the players of the WNBA felt and the sensitive time that we’re living in and being willing to re-evaluate their decision”, Liberty president and Hall of Fame guard Isiah Thomas said.
‘We’re sick and exhausted of waking up every morning and seeing something like this (shootings) happen, ‘ Mystics player Ivory Latta said after her team played its final game before the Olympic break. He called the penalty “unacceptable”.
WNBA President Lisa Borders made the announcement Saturday, following fines imposed on teams and players and criticism from some players. The players have an open invitation with the league.
Sharpton added that NAN will pay or reimburse each player for their fine – that he says was undeservedly handed out to the women.
“Our players are important to us”.
“These young ladies took it upon themselves to send a very simple message standing up against police brutality and racial bias”, he said. We believe in them.
New York Liberty center Tina Charles, the most prominent of the players fined, said on Twitter: “I refuse to be silent @WNBA”. We want them to be the people they are and we’re proud of them.
Charles was happy that the league rescinded the fines.
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Auriemma said if players take actions at the Olympics, it would be a hard balancing act: “As far as USA Basketball is concerned, you know, that’s a very delicate subject. We want to make sure they play well on the court and they are happy off the court”.
