Major League Baseball Commissioner Robert Manfred announced on Friday that the 2021 All-Star Game will no longer be held in Atlanta.
The decision follows an electoral law signed on Wednesday by Brian Kemp, the governor of Georgia, which, according to opponents, disproportionately disenfranchises colored people.
“I’ve decided that the best way to demonstrate our values as a sport is to move this year’s All-Star Game and MLB Draft,” said Baseball Commissioner Robert Manfred Jr.
Businessmen in the United States denounced the law this week. Starting Thursday, MLB discussed the status of the All-Star Game 2021 and gathered feedback from teams and executives.
Read Manfred’s statement about the All-Star game:
IMPORTANT LEASE BASEBALL DECLARATION IN RELATION TO THE 2021 ALL-STAR GAME
Baseball Commissioner Robert D. Manfred Jr. made the following statement today on the 2021 All-Star Game: “Over the past week we have had thoughtful conversations with clubs, past and current players, the Players Association and The Players Alliance , among other things, to hear their views, I’ve decided that the best way to demonstrate our values as a sport is to get this year’s All-Star Game and MLB Draft out.
“Major League Baseball fundamentally supports voting rights for all Americans and opposes ballot box restrictions. In 2020, MLB became the first professional sports league to join the non-partisan Civic Alliance to build a future in which everyone can shape the United States We are proud to have used our platform to encourage baseball fans and communities in our country to fulfill their civic duties and actively participate in the voting process. Fair access to voting continues to be steadfastly supported by our game.
“We will continue our plans to celebrate the memory of Hank Aaron during this season’s All-Star Celebrations. In addition, MLB will continue to invest in supporting local communities in Atlanta as part of our All-Star Legacy Projects.” We are close to finalizing A New Host City and details on these events will be announced shortly. “
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