In response to Georgia’s election reform bill, which was signed into law by Gov. Brian Kemp last week, Major League Baseball has pulled the All-Star game from Georgia.
The game was to be held at Truist Park in Cobb County prior to the decision by MLB today.
Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred Jr. issued the following statement about the decision, and invoked Braves legend Hank Aaron:
“Over the last week, we have engaged in thoughtful conversations with Clubs, former and current players, the Players Association, and The Players Alliance, among others, to listen to their views. I have decided that the best way to demonstrate our values as a sport is by relocating this year’s All-Star Game and MLB Draft.
“Major League Baseball fundamentally supports voting rights for all Americans and opposes restrictions to the ballot box. In 2020, MLB became the first professional sports league to join the non-partisan Civic Alliance to help build a future in which everyone participates in shaping the United States. We proudly used our platform to encourage baseball fans and communities throughout our country to perform their civic duty and actively participate in the voting process. Fair access to voting continues to have our game’s unwavering support.
“We will continue with our plans to celebrate the memory of Hank Aaron during this season’s All-Star festivities. In addition, MLB’s planned investments to support local communities in Atlanta as part of our All-Star Legacy Projects will move forward. We are finalizing a new host city and details about these events will be announced shortly.”
Kemp responded within an hour of the decision calling it an “attack” on the state and blaming Joe Biden, who said during an ESPN interview he “strongly supported” moving the game out of Atlanta.
“Today, Major League Baseball caved to fear, political opportunism, and liberal lies,” Kemp said. “Georgians – and all Americans – should fully understand what the MLB’s knee-jerk decision means: cancel culture and woke political activists are coming for every aspect of your life, sports included. If the left doesn’t agree with you, facts and the truth do not matter.
“This attack on our state is the direct result of repeated lies from Joe Biden and Stacey Abrams about a bill that expands access to the ballot box and ensures the integrity of our elections. 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.”
Georgia House Speaker David Ralston, also responded and blamed Stacey Abrams in his response.
“Stacey Abrams’ leftist lies have stolen the All-Star Game from Georgia,” Ralston said. “This decision is not only economically harmful, it also robs Georgians of a special celebration of our national pastime free of politics. But Georgia will not be bullied by socialists and their sympathizers. We will continue to stand for accessible, secure elections that are free and fair. And we will continue to speak truth despite extortion and intimidation.”
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms called the decision “the first of many dominoes” that would fall due to the controversial voting legislation.
“Just as elections have consequences, so do the actions of those who are elected. Unfortunately, the removal of the MLB All Star game from Georgia is likely the first of many dominoes to fall until the unnecessary barriers put in place to restrict access to the ballot box are removed,” Bottoms said.
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