The WNBA has always been outspoken. They have consistently advocated for the movements and the social issues they believe in. On June 12, the WNBPA released a statement with the NWSLPA. “We’re in the midst of a new season and an incredible moment for women’s sports, but it’s not lost on us that this country and the world are in turmoil right now,” they said. “We stand with all the people seeking dignity, respect, and opportunity, no matter where they come from or where they hope to go.” In light of the recent tragic events, Angel Reese, Cameron Brink, and others have released their statements.
On Saturday, Alex Jeffrey Pretti was fatally shot by a Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with citizens expressing their outrage upon seeing the footage of the fatal incident. Immediately, social media was ablaze with posts of the shooting as citizens made their anger known.
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With protests breaking out across the state, according to the Washington Post, “roughly 100 clergy were arrested without incident during a protest against deportation flights at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport”. Seeing that report, Los Angeles Sparks star Cameron Brink was quick to repost that to her story. She propagated the news to her 1.3 million followers on Instagram.
Brink further reposted a post from NY Times author Meena Harris. The post said, “New video shows the final act of his life was trying to help a woman who was being physically assaulted by masked agents who would then kill him.” While Brink shared news, Chicago Sky star Angel Reese had a simple message. “Praying for our country
,” she wrote.
Both WNBA stars will continue with their offseasons in different directions. Brink is playing the offseason league Unrivaled, while Angel Reese has multiple collaborations lined up. Their reactions weren’t isolated. The WNBA offshoot Unrivaled also acknowledged the tragedy.
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Napheesas Collier’s Unrivaled Sends Their Prayers
Unrivaled, the 3v3 league founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, is currently in full flow. The league began on January 6th, when the tensions in Minnesota and across the country were already high. However, after the recent outpouring and sensitive incidents, the league did its part in sending its prayers
Unrivaled held a moment of silence before their games tonight, “to take a moment to reflect on the recent tragic events in Minnesota.” (via Alexa Phillippou) “Our thoughts and support are with everyone affected, and we send our deepest sympathies to those who have lost a loved one,” the league expressed.
Collier plays for the Minnesota Lynx, so she has a personal connection with the state. She and Stewart are also vice presidents in the WNBPA, who were involved in releasing the June 12 statement. Even in the NBA, the Minnesota Timberwolves vs Golden State Warriors game was suspended. In a statement, the NBA said the game was postponed “to prioritize the safety and security of the Minneapolis community.” The shooting occurred about 2 miles south of the arena, sparking another round of protests from local citizens (per ESPN). The league intends to play the game Sunday at 5:30 p.m. ET.
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