MLB moving All-Star Game from Atlanta over Georgia voting law

[brooklynite]

Source: ESPN

Major League Baseball is moving the 2021 All-Star Game and 2021 draft out of Atlanta in response to a new Georgia voting law that critics say unfairly limits access to the ballot box, especially for people of color.

"Over the last week, we have engaged in thoughtful conversations with Clubs, former and current players, the Players Association, and The Players Alliance, among others, to listen to their views," MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. "I have decided that the best way to demonstrate our values as a sport is by relocating this year's All-Star Game and MLB Draft."

The decision follows calls from as the White House to consider moving the midsummer classic out of Atlanta.

In his statement, Manfred said MLB "fundamentally supports voting rights for all Americans and opposes restrictions to the ballot box." Manfred said MLB would continue to celebrate the memory of Hank Aaron, who died in January, during the All-Star festivities.

Read more: https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/31183822/mlb-moving-all-star-game-atlanta-georgia-voting-law

[PortTack]

1. This is great news!!

[RandySF]

7. Bad news for local Atlantans.

Stacy Abrams urged MLB to keep it in ATL.

[Roy Rolling]

17. Good News

But too soon. But it’s not MLB’s fault, their hand was forced. The law was passed, its time to play hardball, if you pardon the expression.

Repercussions of the bad law are more powerful than words. It’s time for action.

[oldsoftie]

23. She was right. Probably 80% of those working the game would be POC.

Not to mention all the surrounding areas.
And i bet they'll all still vote too.
Did anyone actually READ the bill?

[BumRushDaShow]

2. Just heard it...

[underpants]

3. Fox News attacking baseball in ...3...2...1...

[Danmel]

4. I just got off the phone with the Commissioner's office

To express my thanks and support.
212-931-7800

[Cozmo]

19. Me too, thanks for the number! Everyone should call

[brooklynite]

5. Next Up: Florida, Georgia and Texas pull teams out of MLB...

...and form the LEAGUE OF THE SOUTH...

[stillcool]

6. makes me want to go to a baseball game...

it's only been about 40 years.

[JI7]

8. Sports boycott in North Carolina resulted in defeat of the Governor

there.

That boycott was over some anti transgender things the governor was pushing.

A Democrat won and was re-elected recently .

[MLAA]

9. Tony Clark

Tony Clark, Executive Director of the Major League Baseball Players Association, played his part to make this happen.

I’ve been a fan of his since spent his last few years as an AZ Diamond. Great player, all class. Until the last few days I hadn’t realized he was the head of the Players Association. The players and the fans are in great hands!

[COL Mustard]

10. I'm Glad They're Doing That

I hate the fact that it will impact the vendors and stadium workers, who don't make a lot of money and could probably use the extra income they could get from an All Star Game (we had one here in Washington a couple of years ago), but I'm glad that MLB is taking this stand.

[kellytore]

11. I live a few miles down the road from Truist Park

where the Braves play. This is going to cost Cobb County and the state of Georgia a large sum of money. I love Stacey Abrams, but MLB made the right move. We must punish these states that pass racist laws even if people like myself are hurt by it.

[Dream Girl]

16. Stacy Abrams had to take that position if she plans to run for governor

[Initech]

12. Smart move!

[Roc2020]

13. Actions have consequences Mr. Kemp.

[Dan]

14. GOLF - time to move the MASTERS!!!!

Join the rest of the nation in fighting for Democracy!!!

[oldsoftie]

24. HA! I have a better chance at winning the lottery.

Augusta National doesnt give a shit about politics. I doubt they'll even issue a statement.

[Dan]

25. Don't know, but maybe is the time.

P.S. Good luck with the Lotto.

[oldsoftie]

26. The thing is, the Masters is owned by Augusta National. Its not a PGA tournament.

So its not going anywhere. Do you remember when it was being protested for not having any female members?

I've never understood the obsession with it; its the Super Bowl of golf yet not a PGA. People will do anything for a ticket.

[rpannier]

30. They care about politics. Old Rich White Male politics

[Demnation]

15. All-Star game and the MLB draft. Ouch! That's going to leave a mark.

[IzzaNuDay]

18. This action puts the other 40ish states on notice

There are consequences for promoting voter suppression.

So for those other states where the GOP is proposing voter suppression style legislation, they might want to reconsider dropping the idea unless they want their state's tourism to suffer.

First it's all star game that leaves, what else is next?

[AllaN01Bear]

20. now all american air lines hq and coke hq should move too also.

[former9thward]

27. How about CNN?

Why do they get a pass?

[oldsoftie]

32. Delta. And they're not going anywhere.

It would cost BILLIONS.

[Hugh Bloody Bastards]

21. Hit them in the bank account

Good move!

[DinahMoeHum]

22. Dave Zirin of The Nation magazine has this to say. . .

Link to tweet

MLB is moving the All-Star Game out of Georgia! Just too much cognitive dissonance to celebrate Jackie Robinson Day while playing their prestige game in Kemp's Georgia. Wrote about why they needed to do this earlier in the week.

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/georgia-mlb-all-star-game/

The other point lots of folk are making is that this year should be a celebration of Henry Aaron, and doing it with Kemp’s Georgia lurking in the background was clearly an optical no go. Especially since voting rights in Georgia was an issue Henry Aaron embraced

.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

[pat_k]

28. Kick

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

29. Republicans blast MLB for moving All-Star Game

Republicans are rebuking Major League Baseball for moving its All-Star Game from Atlanta in protest of Georgia's new voting law, which critics say is meant to suppress the Black vote.

GOP lawmakers derided the move as an example of "cancel culture" and defended the new law, which imposes new limits on voting in the Peach State.

"Georgians - and all Americans - should fully understand what the MLB's knee-jerk decision means: cancel culture and woke political activists are coming for every aspect of your life, sports included. If the left doesn't agree with you, facts and the truth do not matter," Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) said in a statement. "This attack on our state is the direct result of repeated lies from Joe Biden and Stacey Abrams about a bill that expands access to the ballot box and ensures the integrity of our elections. I will not back down."

"This decision is not only economically harmful, it also robs Georgians of a special celebration of our national pastime free of politics. But Georgia will not be bullied by socialists and their sympathizers. We will continue to stand for accessible, secure elections that are free and fair," said David Ralston, the Republican speaker of the Georgia state House.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/republicans-blast-mlb-for-moving-all-star-game/ar-BB1ffjPZ?li=BBnb7Kz

Sorry but that's what you get for kissing the yuuuuuge orange anus.

[monkeyman1]

31. i wonder if Putin told them to say that ? since drumpf took a dump !