WNBA fines teams, players after wearing protest shirts

The WNBA has fined three of its teams and their players for wearing statement shirts to protest the recent deaths in the United States due to gun violence.

Per Doug Feinberg of the Associated Press:

"The WNBA has fined the New York Liberty, Phoenix Mercury and Indiana Fever and their players for wearing black warm up shirts in the wake of recent shootings by and against police officers. 
All three teams were fined $5,000 and each player was fined $500. 
The Liberty have worn the plain black shirts four times, including Wednesday morning against Washington. The Mercury and Fever wore them Tuesday night. While the shirts were the Adidas brand — the official outfitter of the league — WNBA rules state that uniforms may not be altered in any way. 
"We are proud of WNBA players' engagement and passionate advocacy for non-violent solutions to difficult social issues but expect them to comply with the league's uniform guidelines," WNBA President Lisa Borders said in a statement provided to The Associated Press on Wednesday night."
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said last week that he is in favor of players speaking out regarding important issues, although he also noted that he prefers the league's players voicing out their concerns via interviews, social media, and press conferences instead of violating the dress code.

The Minnesota Lynx also wore black warm-up shirts and were warned by the league.



Liberty forward Swin Cash also told the New York Times last week that players were not afraid of consequences for wearing the statement shirts.

Some players of the league expressed disappointment after the WNBA issued the fines.




Even sports analysts found it ironic for the league to fine some of its teams and players for making a stand.


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