At the start of the professional basketball league WNBA, the players from New York Liberty and Seattle Storm set an example against racism. When the US national anthem was played in the hall in Bradenton / Florida before the start of the game, the players from both teams left the field in the direction of the catacombs.
“Kneeling doesn’t seem enough to protest,” New York captain Layshia Clarendon said of the process. “I don’t want to hear the hymn, I don’t want to approach it, because it’s grotesque that justice and freedom just don’t apply to everyone in the same way.”
Upon returning to the field, all players also paused for 26 seconds to honor Breonna Taylor. The African-American was shot dead by police officers in March at the age of 26 while at her home. The three officials involved have not been charged.
“We’re dedicating this season to Breonna Taylor,” said Clarendon. “We will be a voice for the voiceless.” Under their own name on their jerseys, all players also bore the name of Taylor. Los Angeles Lakers’ NBA star LeBron James had also recently demanded justice for Taylor.
The opening match won Seattle with 87:71. German international Satou Sabally enters the WNBA premier season with the Dallas Wings on Sunday (11 p.m.) against Atlanta Dream.
