Texas Governor Boycotts MLB, Refuses To Throw Out First Pitch Or Seek To Host Any Special Event
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) just boycotted the MLB and has refused to throw the first pitch at the Texas Rangers’ home opener. He also said Texas will not host any MLB special events in the future.
“Major League Baseball adopted what has turned out to be a false narrative about the election law reforms in Georgia, and, based on that false narrative, moved the MLB All-Star game from Atlanta,” Abbott said in a statement.
“It is shameful that America’s pastime is not only being influenced by partisan political politics but also perpetuating false political narratives,” he said before adding that Texas “will not seek to host the All-Star game or any other MLB special event.”
“This decision does not diminish the deep respect I have for the Texas Rangers baseball organization, which is outstanding from top to bottom.”
Earlier Sen Ted Cruz (R-TX) called for an end to Major League Baseball’s critical antitrust exemptions. Without these, MLB would not be immune from federal anti-monopoly laws.
“Why does @MLB still have antitrust immunity? It’s time for the federal government to stop granting special privileges to specific, favored corporations — especially those that punish their political opponents,” Senator Mike Lee said.
Cruz said: Exactly right. And @SenMikeLee & I will be working hard to END MLB’s antitrust immunity. #GowokeGobroke”
Commissioner Rob Manfred released the following statement through the league:
“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.
“Major League Baseball fundamentally supports voting rights for all Americans and opposes restrictions to the ballot box.
“In 2020, MLB became the first professional sports league to join the non-partisan Civic Alliance to help build a future in which everyone participates in shaping the United States.
“We proudly used our platform to encourage baseball fans and communities throughout our country to perform their civic duty and actively participate in the voting process. Fair access to voting continues to have our game’s unwavering support.
“We will continue with our plans to celebrate the memory of Hank Aaron during this season’s All-Star festivities.
“In addition, MLB’s planned investments to support local communities in Atlanta as part of our All-Star Legacy Projects will move forward.
“We are finalizing a new host city and details about these events will be announced shortly,” he added.
I was looking forward to throwing out the first pitch at the Texas Rangers' home opening game until @MLB adopted what has turned out to be a false narrative about Georgia's election law reforms.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) April 5, 2021
It is shameful that America's pastime is being influenced by partisan politics. pic.twitter.com/pNJApYBHpw
EXACTLY right. And @SenMikeLee & I will be working hard to END MLB’s antitrust immunity.#GowokeGobroke https://t.co/NuERnvF8FT
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) April 2, 2021
Why does @MLB still have antitrust immunity? It’s time for the federal government to stop granting special privileges to specific, favored corporations—especially those that punish their political opponents. https://t.co/k3GIZuGYHB
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) April 2, 2021