WNBA, Players Pay Tribute To Victims Of Charlottesville Violence

The WNBA and its players are "showing their support for the victims of racially charged violence in Charlottesville." The Sparks and Mystics prior to last night's game "locked arms at center court," and the Lynx and Storm "did the same thing before their contest later in the evening." The league in a memo to teams said from Aug. 16-25, it is "suspending the national anthem protocol (which entails lining up in a dignified posture along the foul lines)." The WNBA is "doing this at the request" of Sparks F and union President Nneka Ogwumike. Players last year "wore black shirts in support of the black lives matter movement" (AP, 8/17).

Mystics G Kristi Toliver, who is from Virginia, "led the initiative" to lock arms and "penned a statement on behalf of both teams." WNBA President Lisa Borders "expressed her support ahead of the game" (USATODAY.com, 8/16).