Major League Baseball (MLB) announced today that it is moving its 2021 All-Star Game out of Atlanta in response to a new Georgia voting law that many believe will disproportionately affect residents of color, potentially restricting voting access.
“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,” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. “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.”
In a joint statement, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and House Speaker David Ralston responded to the news stating, “Today, Major League Baseball caved to fear, political opportunism, and liberal lies,” Kemp said in a statement. “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.”
The controversial bill signed by Gov. Kemp on March 25 has been condemned by President Joe Biden, in addition to major Atlanta-based companies such as Delta Airlines and The Coca-Cola Company.
MLB Commissioner Manfred shared that details of the new host city and event details are forthcoming.
