Atlanta Dream Co-Owner Kelly Loeffler Slams Black Lives Matter, Wants American Flags Placed On Players’ Jerseys
Atlanta Dream Co-Owner Kelly Loeffler Slams Black Lives Matter, Wants American Flags Placed On Players’ Jerseys
The WNBA is taking a direct stance for Black Lives Matter – one that one of its team co-owners strongly disapproves of. Sen. Kelly Loeffler, co-owner of the Atlanta Dream, recently wrote a letter to Cathy Engelbert – commissioner of the WNBA – to express that she is blatantly against the Black Lives Matter movement and the players’ gravitation towards it.
Sen. Loeffler’s lengthy letter to the WNBA commissioner is seemingly in response to the players’ plans to honor women like Breonna Taylor and Vanessa Guillen, who have died at the hands of law enforcement during these times of racial tension. Kelly Loeffler reportedly wrote:
“I adamantly oppose the Black Lives Matter political movement, which has advocated for the defunding of police, called for the removal of Jesus from churches and the disruption of the nuclear family structure, harbored anti-Semitic views, and promoted violence and destruction across the country. I believe it is totally misaligned with the values and goals of the WNBA and the Atlanta Dream, where we support tolerance and inclusion…I am incredibly disappointed to read about efforts to insert a political platform into the league.”
She continued, suggesting that American flags be added to the players’ jerseys:
“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. And now more than ever, we should be united in our goal to remove politics from sports…Though I was not consulted about — nor do I agree with the League’s decision in this matter, I am proposing a common-sense recommendation to ensure we reflect the values of freedom and equality for all. I believe we should put an American flag on every jersey. Include it in our licensed apparel for players, coaches and fans.”
Several retired and current players have spoken out against her stance. New York Liberty player/former Atlanta Dream star Layshia Clarendon tweeted:
“I can’t believe I ever stepped foot in Kelly’s house and shared a meal with her. It’s actually really hurtful to see her true colors I had no idea while I played for ATL she felt this way. Happy to own us as long as we stay quiet and perform.”
What do you think about Kelly Loeffler’s anti-Black Lives Matter comments?