WNBA Withdraws Fines For Teams Who Wore Shirts In Support Of Black Lives Matter
Players are now encouraged to speak “on matters important to them.”
After recent criticism, the WNBA has decided to withdraw the fines issued on teams and players who wore t-shirts supporting the Black Lives Matter movement.
Earlier this month, the WNBA issued fines of $5,000 to each team and $500 to each player who didn't comply with "league uniform guidelines." In order to protest the fines, New York and Indiana players refused to answer any questions from the media about basketball. Liberty player Tanisha Wright felt that it was "unfortunate that the WNBA has fined us and not supported its players," according to The New York Times. "We want to be able to use our platforms, we want to be able to use our voices," she continued.
Carmelo Anthony also expressed his disapproval for the fines, pointing out that the NBA was supportive of players who wore hoodies and shirts for Trayvon Martin in 2012. " I don’t see no reason for anybody to get fined," Anthony told the New York Post. "Right now the players have a very strong stance in what they believe in right now. I don’t think anyone should be fighting that at this moment.”
Finally, on July 23, WNBA president Lisa Borders rescinded the fines to show the players "even more support" in their efforts to speak out on "matters important to them." Read the full statements below.