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Published 17:06 IST, December 15th 2020

WNBA players support High School hoopers suspended for wearing BLM shirts during training

According to reports, WNBA players have chosen to stand behind two high schoolers who suspended their students for wearing a Black Lives Matter shirt.

Reported by: Devika Pawar
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Years ago, LeBron James and Kevin Durant were asked to "shut up and dribble" by FOX News host Laura Ingraham for speaking against Donald Trump. Now, as the Black Lives Matter movement gained attention these past few months, supporters referred to the phrase frequently, asking NBA and WNBA stars– who dedicated their game to the cause – to only focus on their sport.

Also read | WNBA's Seattle Storm choose to endorse Biden-Harris as a team in unusual pro sports move

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WNBA players support high school girls suspended for wearing Black Lives Matter shirts during warm-up

Recently, Jordana Codio and Khadee Hession from American Heritage School in Delray Boca, Florida chose to wear Black Lives Matter shirts during their warm-up. Their decision to support the cause was triggered after a fellow student "allegedly posted a racial slur in a virtual class a few weeks ago, with no disciplinary action from the school administration."

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The school's handbook – as shared by student – echoes values and equality, asking students to maintain an open mind in a school that "does not discriminate against any individual or group". The girls, however, were suspended for wearing the BLM shirts. 

Also read | LeBron James blasts Laura Ingraham for defending Drew Brees' comments on 'national anthem'

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WNBA players backed, as per Girls Talk Sports, have chosen to support the girls. Indiana Fever star Erica Wheeler wrote on Instagram account on the girls, supporting them and appreciating their efforts. "Keep standing for what you believe in," Wheeler wrote, before tagging the school asking is this how they treat their black athletes. "So take away the one thing they love because of what they believe in? Wow says a lot about your school!"

WNBA Finals MVP Breanna Stewart was next to support the girls, demanding why the school did not support them. "It’s not a political statement. It’s real life," Stewart said. 

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Also read | Blackout Tuesday: LeBron James, Steph Curry among NBA stars supporting Black Lives Matter

WNBA players, for a long time, have been focusing on equality and social causes they believe in. This year, they dedicated their stay at the Wubble for Breonna Taylor – who was a victim of police brutality earlier this year. Their efforts helped people know Taylor's story, as they continued to use their platform to support what they believe in. 

(Image credits: Erica Wheeler Instagram)

17:06 IST, December 15th 2020