Sen. Kelly Loeffler has doubled down on her anti-Black Lives Matter sentiments.
On July 6, 2020, the WNBA unveiled a plan to tackle issues relating to social justice. Among other things, the league launched the WNBA Social Justice Council and announced that players would wear special uniforms that honor victims of racial violence such as Breonna Taylor and Sandra Bland.
“We are incredibly proud of WNBA players who continue to lead with their inspiring voices and effective actions in the league’s dedicated fight against systemic racism and violence,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said.
Atlanta Dream co-owner Kelly Loeffler represented a vocal minority that was vehemently against these initiatives. Just a day after these initiatives were launched, Loeffler said that these plans are part of a “particular political agenda undermines the potential of the sport and sends a message of exclusion.”
“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,” she added.
In response, a number of players criticized the freshman senator’s remarks. Leading the way, reigning WNBA Champion Natasha Cloud appeared on CNN to rebut Loeffler’s argument.
My message is simple: we should unite around the American flag. We should keep politics out of sports. We shouldn’t promote movements that encourage violence.
And I will not be silent about it. Watch my full interview with @IngrahamAngle here. #gapol #gasen pic.twitter.com/yVNz7IqFuU
— Kelly Loeffler (@KLoeffler) July 9, 2020
“For her to come out and say we’re divisive and that Black Lives Matter’s movement is a divisive organization, I call BS on that,” Cloud told Don Lemon.
“[The Atlanta Dream] in itself, their starting five is all black females…To be a partial owner in that and cheer on the sidelines and support your players, but you don’t support them when they take those uniforms off, it’s a problem,” Cloud continued.
Facing increased backlash from players, Sen. Loeffler appeard on FOX News with Laura Ingraham to discuss the matter further. While on air, she said that Black Lives Matter is “based on Marxist principles” and that it threatens to “destroy” the county. She also said that Black Lives Matter is “anti-Semitic and doesn’t support the nuclear family.”
Sen. Loeffler has remained steadfast to remain co-owner of the team despite growing momentum to force her out of the league.
