WHITE PLAINS, NY- JULY 20: Nneka Ogwumike #30 of the Los Angeles Sparks is boxed out by Tina Charles #31 and Kia Nurse #5 of the New York Liberty on July 20, 2019 at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Michelle Farsi/NBAE via Getty Images)
WNBA’s Seattle Storm and New York Liberty silently protest for social justice reform.
Two teams walk off the court during National Anthem.
Ahead of the WNBA’s season opener between the Seattle Storm and New York Liberty on Saturday, both teams walked off the court during the National Anthem. The two teams did such for a social justice initiative.
Players on the Storm walked into the arena wearing shirts in support of Breonna Taylor. Taylor was fatally shot by police who forced their way into her home on a “no knock” warrant, March 13. Along with words “Black Lives Matter” painted on the court, the WNBA’s 2018 MVP Breanna Stewart had the words “say her name” on her customized game shoes.
In warm-ups, Stewart was spotted wearing a “Black Lives Matter” t-shirt with the words “Say Her Name” on the back.
This was Stewart’s first game back with the Storm after missing the entire 2019 season due to an Achilles’ tendon injury.
“It felt great to be back on the court but the most important thing today was representing Breonna Taylor before the game, during the game with our jerseys and continuing to fight for justice,” Stewart said.
The Liberty also showed tribute to Taylor beyond the National Anthem protest. When Tweeting out the starting lineup, they tweeted a photo of Taylor with the starting five showing “26 Breonna Taylor” five times.
The Liberty also arrived wearing shirts with social justice messages printed on them. Hours before the game, the Liberty tweeted a video of their players making a tribute to Taylor for their “Join Us and Take Action” initiative.
“I play for Breonna Taylor and the New York Liberty demand justice for Breonna Taylor,” the team said in the video.