Miami (AFP)
Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving on Monday pledged $ 1.5 million (roughly 1.28 million euros) to WNBA players who refuse to play this season.
The Net leader will distribute the money through a newly created fund, KAI Empowerment Initiative.
"This platform was created to support WNBA players in the hope of reducing the economic burden imposed by this difficult period," said the basketball player in a statement.
Several players have already refused to play the shortened season of WNBA which began on July 25, for fear of the coronavirus or to devote themselves to other commitments, in a context of anti-racist wave in the United States.
“I made contact with several WNBA players who decided to play and those who decided not to play. In these conversations, I learned about the difficulties and motivations behind their decisions, and the effects. that they will have on their lives, their families and their well-being, ”writes Kyrie Irving.
He spoke with Natasha Cloud, a Washington Mystics player who chose to focus on her activist commitment this season, and Jewell Loyd, who decided to play.
"Whether they have decided to fight for social justice, to play basketball, to prioritize their physical or mental health, or just to spend time with their families, I hope this initiative can support their priorities and decisions. "writes Kyrie Irving.
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