Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R-Ga.) is not pleased with some Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) players’ decision to wear shirts in support of her election opponent, Rev. Raphael Warnock.
The Georgia lawmaker released a statement on Tuesday in response to Atlanta Dream power forward Elizabeth William and the Chicago Sky’s tweets debuting t-shirts in support of Warnock.
Loeffler, also co-owner of the Atlanta Dream WNBA franchise, criticized players for exhibiting “cancel culture” simply because of a difference in views.
“This is just more proof that the out of control cancel culture wants to shut out anyone who disagrees with them,” Loeffler said.
The Georgia senator doubled down on her opposition toward the Black Lives Matter political organization, as she insisted political agendas are responsible for the divisiveness in the country.
“We come together around sports, but promoting a political agenda divides us rather than unites us. The lives of every African American matter, and there’s no place for racism in our country,” she said. “But I oppose the BLM political organization due to its radical ideas and Marxist foundation.”
Her remarks came shortly after WNBA players were photographed wearing the t-shirts. In addition to the “Vote Warnock” shirts, players were also seen wearing shirts that read, “Black Lives Matter.”
“We are [WNBA] players, but like the late, great [John Lewis] said, we are also ordinary people with extraordinary vision,” Williams tweeted, referencing the late congressman and civil rights icon who recently died. “[Reverend Warnock] has spent his life fighting for the people and we need him in Washington.”
We are @wnba players, but like the late, great John Lewis said, we are also ordinary people with extraordinary vision. @ReverendWarnock has spent his life fighting for the people and we need him in Washington. Join the movement for a better Georgia at https://t.co/hC8iF9urak pic.twitter.com/mvN5e9m4oO
— Elizabeth Williams (@E_Williams_1) August 4, 2020
The Chicago Sky and Phoenix Mercury also tweeted in support of the players.
Clocked in. Locked in.#4TheValley pic.twitter.com/DiHJ3oGN8Q
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) August 4, 2020
Don't boo…VOTE 🗳
— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) August 4, 2020
Register to vote at https://t.co/zXnPqmFZQ7 #Vote2020 pic.twitter.com/4yMmEqgXMS
When the death of George Floyd sparked widespread protests across the United States, WNBA players expressed their support of Black Lives Matter as protesters held demonstrations to fight against police brutality and racial inequality.
The players previously clashed with Loeffler who opposed their support of the movement. According to Loeffler’s previous letter, the players were focusing on a “particular political agenda” that “undermines the potential of the sport and sends a message of exclusion.”
As a result of Loeffler’s stance and previous remarks, players have asked for her to step down.