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.The @WNBA has fined @PhoenixMercury @IndianaFever and @nyliberty for wearing their plain black warmup shirts: https://t.co/h0t3X7HXbr— Doug Feinberg (@DougFeinberg) July 21, 2016
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.
"This is a human issue & we need to speak up for change, together." -Maya pic.twitter.com/tyfl65Ag81— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) July 9, 2016
— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) July 10, 2016
Liberty forward Swin Cash also told the New York Times last week that players were not afraid of consequences for wearing the statement shirts.
Your voice counts. Speak up to stop gun violence and #DisarmHate Here's away https://t.co/FFk3yg12fr pic.twitter.com/1J3tikkiYb— Swin Cash (@SwinCash) June 26, 2016
Some players of the league expressed disappointment after the WNBA issued the fines.
Don't say we have a voice and then fine us because we use it. #notpuppets #cutthestrings— Mistie Bass (@A_Phoenix_Born) July 21, 2016
When the shooting in Orlando happened the WNBA immediately sent shirts for us to wear to show support..— Sophia Petrillheaux (@kelseybone3) July 20, 2016
Why support one cause that effects our country and not another?— Sophia Petrillheaux (@kelseybone3) July 20, 2016
I understand uniform policy & all...but how can you support 1 incident that effects the community in & in support of our league but not...— Alysha Clark (@Alysha_Clark) July 21, 2016
Support the other? Shirts were in our lockers right after the Orlando incident. Is it b/c #BlackLivesMatters is uncomfortable for you?— Alysha Clark (@Alysha_Clark) July 21, 2016
Even sports analysts found it ironic for the league to fine some of its teams and players for making a stand.
The WNBA fining teams + players for wearing anti-violence shirts raises some big questions: https://t.co/9jDwD2OnDJ pic.twitter.com/CbCwsVvnX3— Dan Devine (@YourManDevine) July 21, 2016
The WNBA had a chance to do something important and blew it. https://t.co/XcbiLIcqLn— Sean Gentille (@seangentille) July 21, 2016
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