WNBA players to spotlight female violence victims on jerseys

WNBA players will wear uniforms for opening weekend of season featuring names of women who have died because of alleged police brutality or racial violence — including Breonna Taylor, Vanessa Guillen and Sandra Bland — when league begins play later this month.

Players will also wear warmup shirts that re “Black Lives Matter” on front and “Say Her Name” on back throughout season, league and players' union anunced Monday. Also, phrase “Black Lives Matter” will be featured prominently on courts where teams practice and play.

“We are incredibly proud of WNBA players who continue to le with ir inspiring voices and effective actions in league’s dedicated fight against systemic racism and violence,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said. “Working toger with WNBPA and teams, league aims to highlight players’ social justice efforts throughout 2020 season and beyond. Systemic change can’t happen overnight, but it is our shared responsibility to do everything we can to raise awareness and promote justice we hope to see in society.”

jersey idea was first publicly put forth by Las Vegas Aces forward Angel McCoughtry.

league and players association also anunced creation of a new platform — Justice Movement — and creation of WNBA/WNBPA Social Justice Council. purpose of council is to push for change on issues including race, voting rights, LGBTQ vocacy and gun control.

WNBA players Layshia Clarendon, Breanna Stewart, A'ja Wilson, Sydney Colson, Tierra Ruffin-Pratt and Satou Sabally will led council.

“As many WNBA players — past and present — have said and, more importantly, consistently demonstrated, reason why you see us engaging and leing charge when it comes to social vocacy is because it is in our DNA,” WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike said. “With 140-plus voices all toger for first time ever, we can be a powerful force connecting to our sisters across country and in or parts of world. And may we all recognize that league’s stated commitment to us — in this season and beyond — offers a pivotal moment in sports history.”

A few players, including Renee Montgomery and Natasha Cloud, have alrey opted out of upcoming season to spend ir time working to vance social justice.

Teams started arriving Monday at IMG Acemy in Florida to prepare for a season that's been shortened and limited to a single location because of coronavirus pandemic. Games are expected to begin weekend of July 24.

Im credits: AP