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WNBPA wants team co-owner's ouster after BLM comments
Loeffler has been a part-owner of the Dream since 2010. SIPA USA

WNBPA wants team co-owner's ouster after Black Lives Matter comments

On Tuesday, the Women's National Basketball Players Association tweeted for the removal of Atlanta Dream co-owner and Georgia Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler after Loeffler wrote a letter to WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert criticizing the league's plan to include "Black Lives Matter" on courts during the shortened season held amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Per ESPN, Loeffler wrote: 

"I adamantly oppose the Black Lives Matter political movement, which has advocated for the defunding of police, called for the removal of Jesus from churches and the disruption of the nuclear family structure, harbored anti-Semitic views, and promoted violence and destruction across the country. I believe it is totally misaligned with the values and goals of the WNBA and the Atlanta Dream, where we support tolerance and inclusion."

Loeffler continued: 

"Though I was not consulted about -- nor do I agree with the League's decision in this matter, I am proposing a common-sense recommendation to ensure we reflect the values of freedom and equality for all. I believe we should put an American flag on every jersey. Include it in our licensed apparel for players, coaches and fans."

The WNBPA responded via Twitter: 

In a separate statement, the WNBA said: 

Along with adding "Black Lives Matter" messaging on courts following the killing of George Floyd on May 25, the WNBA is also allowing players to honor female victims of police brutality and/or racial violence: 

Zac Wassink

Zac Wassink is a longtime sports news writer and PFWA member who began his career in 2006 and has had his work featured on Yardbarker, MSN, Yahoo Sports and Bleacher Report. He is also a football and futbol aficionado who is probably yelling about Tottenham Hotspur at the moment and who chanted for Matt Harvey to start the ninth inning of Game 5 of the 2015 World Series at Citi Field. You can find him on X at @ZacWassink

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