The Washington Mystics’ pregame routine was far from normal when they arrived for their game against the Atlanta Dream. The first sign of what was to come started when each team member walked in with one letter on the front of white t-shirts that eventually spelled out Jacob Blake’s name. Blake is the latest unarmed black man shot by police officers. He was also a representation of the systematic racism and social injustices the WNBA and NBA players have been fighting for since both leagues landed in Florida.
The most powerful part of the Mystics statement turned out to be on the back of their shirts which was riddled with seven bullets. The same number of bullets that hit Blake in the back.
The shirts were one statement but the team also decided to make another one. After the NBA, canceled all playoff games slated for Wednesday evening after the Bucks refused to take the courts in protest of Blake’s shooting, the Washington Mystics followed suit. They were the first game set to be played that night. However, it was a no go for them which caused a domino effect that resulted in a cancellation of all WNBA games that were set for the evening. The current WNBA Champions stayed true to that mentality and leadership yesterday.
Btw, the #Mystics were slated to play the Atlanta #Dream. Their #WNBA game is the one that was canceled tonight. Also, this is the back of their shirts. Speaks volumes. #JacobBlake pic.twitter.com/anT95y9WTw
— Carita Parks (@CaritaCParks) August 26, 2020
Ariel Atkins who isn’t a woman of many words had a lot to say about the team’s decision.
"We're not just basketball players. We're so much more than that."
Ariel Atkins with a powerful statement on the unified decision to not play tonight. #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/Eg96KMqsFh
— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) August 26, 2020