The Scoop

MLB Decided To Move All-Star Game After Pressure From Stacey Abrams On Voting Issues — Sources

By • April 8, 2021 1:05 pm

The controversial move of the Major League Baseball (MLB) All-Star Game out of Georgia was reportedly decided upon alone by its commissioner Robert Manfred, after discussions with groups associated with Lebron James, progressive Democrat Stacey Abrams and human rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton.

Fox News made the revelation citing “sources familiar with the matter” as it reported that both Abrams and Sharpton threatened Manfred that players would “boycott” should the professional baseball organization decide to keep the games in Atlanta.

“Sources say that Abrams’ current stance, that she is disappointed about the Georgia boycott, is suspect as she was a key player in the decision. James has publicly supported the Georgia boycott,” the media outlet said.

“Abrams’ group and Sharpton also urged the commissioner to support other issues, including voter drives and H.R. 1, the For the People Act — sweeping election reform that recently passed the House,” it added, noting that “Manfred decided the easiest way to deal with the matter was to leave Georgia.”


The media outlet went on and reported that the MLB Commissioner went on and told the eight-member executive committee of the organization before making the announcement to move the All-Star Game in response to Georgia’s new voting law which “surprised the 22 other teams,” Fox said.

His earlier statement, however, appeared to show that he made the decision after discussions and consultations with MLB Players Association and its Players Alliance — not before as the Fox News’ source revealed.

“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,” Manfred said in his announcement. 

Progressive Democrat Stacey Abrams — who lost to Brian Kemp in the 2018 Georgia gubernatorial election —  earlier lamented the decision of the MLB to move the games out of Georgia, but maintained that she is “proud of their stance on voting rights.”

“Disappointed @MLB will move the All-Star Game, but proud of their stance on voting rights. GA GOP traded economic opportunity for suppression,” she tweeted after MLB’s announcement. “On behalf of PoC targeted by #SB202 to lose votes + now wages, I urge events & productions to come & speak out or stay & fight. #gapol”

Abrams, later on issued another statement saying that “like many Georgians, I am disappointed that the MLB is moving its All-Star Game; however, I commend the players, owners and League Commissioner for speaking out.”

“As I have stated, I respect boycotts, although I don’t want to see Georgia families hurt by lost events and jobs. Georgians targeted by voter suppression will be hurt as opportunities go to other states,” she added.

Meanwhile, MLB officially moved the game to Denver’s Coors Field in Colorado —  but not without backlash from those who blasted the organization’s choice of new venue.

Reports said the move of MLB would be costing the state $100 million in revenue.

“What a wimp! And Abrams was willing to cost her state $100M just to make a political point???” wrote Jason Miller.

“MLB moves the All Star game from Atlanta (50.9% black pop.) to Denver (9.5% black pop.) because the Georgia voting bill ‘disproportionately affects people of color.’ Apparently, the estimated loss of $100mil to Atlanta’s economy does not disproportionately affect people of color,” Larry Elder said.

“Georgia: Voter ID, 17 days of early voting.Colorado: Voter ID, 15 days of early voting. Atlanta is 51% Black. Denver is 9.2% Black. The @MLB is moving the #MLBAllStarGame out of ATL which has more day-of voting rights than CO? The Wokes are at it again, folks.”

“MLB needs to leave Georgia AND Colorado, and find a city where it can really feel at home. Like Beijing,” commented Brent Bozell, founder and president of the Media Research Center. 

“MLB must move the All Star game out of Colorado. It has a more restrictive election law than Georgia. Maybe China, where you don’t really have to worry about elections?,” said Rudy Giuliani, former President Donald Trump’s lawyer.

Georgia recently passed the “Election Integrity Act of 2021” which its Governor Brian Kemp has said will be “another step toward ensuring our elections are secure, accessible and fair” and to address questions raised during the 2020 elections.

The Peach State’s far-ranging new election law included provisions for new ID requirements for mail-in votes, limiting the use of ballot drop boxes as well as giving the state’s Legislature more reign on election matters over local elections officials. It also bans volunteers from handing out food, water and other tokens to voters in waiting lines.

Steeve Strange

Steeve is the CEO & Co-Founder of The Scoop.
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