It looks like the political drama in Georgia isn't quite over just yet. After the MLB's decision to move its 2021 All-Star proceedings (including the 2021 MLB Draft) out of Atlanta, the organization has been getting plenty of support from MLB players and now by some of the biggest names in sports, including Magic Johnson and LeBron James.
Johnson, for his part, applauded the league for taking a “strong stance” in the matter.
I want to applaud and extend a thank you to @MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred for moving the All Star Game out of Georgia following the Governor’s signing of the new restrictive voting law. Way to be a leader and take a strong stance!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 2, 2021
If you are new to the story, the MLB recently decided to pull its 2021 All-Star activities from the state of Georgia after the state's recent passing of SB202, a hotly debated new act that has been criticized for being potentially restrictive of voter rights. Among other things, the bill calls for increased restrictions on absentee voting, and for greater legislative control over elections. This Republican-backed bill is of course coming off the heels of Georgia's widely publicized Senate and Presidential elections, which both came out in rare favor of the Democratic Party.
Upon hearing the news, Georgia governor Brian Kemp said the following:
“I will not back down. Georgians will not be bullied…We will continue to stand up for secure, accessible, fair elections. Earlier today, I spoke with the leadership of the Atlanta Braves who informed me they do not support the MLB's decision.”
The Players Alliance, a group of 143 current and former MLB players dedicated to promoting diversity in the sport, also tweeted the following statement in support of the MLB's decision:
We stand in support of @MLB's decision to move the 2021 All-Star Game. pic.twitter.com/ESTh4g4bVj
— Players Alliance (@PlayersAlliance) April 2, 2021
Magic Johnson's statement came right after fellow (and current) Los Angeles Lakers great LeBron James made his own statement in support of the MLB's decision. Currently, the league has yet to announce which city will host the 2021 All-Star festivities, but they are expected to come out with that decision sooner rather than later. More on this story as it unfolds.
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