WNBA rescinds Black Lives Matter shirt fines
The WNBA took some heat earlier this week after doling out fines to players who wore plain black warm-up T-shirts in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
The New York Liberty, Phoenix Mercury, and Indiana Fever were each levied a $5,000 fine, while the players were each fined $500 for violating the league's policy on uniforms.
In response to the backlash over the disciplinary measures, WNBA president Lisa Borders released the following statement Saturday evening:
.@WNBAPrez, Lisa Borders statement on recent team and player uniform violation fines. pic.twitter.com/RJMZHQ0htL
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 23, 2016
Borders was criticized for encouraging players to speak out about societal matters they feel strongly about, as long as they do so while adhering to league rules.
Related: WNBA president supports players' activism 'off the court'
Below is the Women's National Basketball Players Association's response:
WNBPA statement on the withdrawal of WNBA finds. pic.twitter.com/7iSzLPpAX1
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpearsESPN) July 23, 2016
Players from the Liberty and Fever, along with the Washington Mystics, had protested by refusing to speak to reporters postgame about basketball.
Instead, they only agreed to talk about social issues.
Seattle Storm players showed apparent solidarity by posting photos of them wearing black shirts with a Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
NBA star Carmelo Anthony also spoke out against the fines.