Kemp Says MLB Caved To Fear In Moving All-Star Game From Atlanta

ATLANTA, GA— Georgia's new election law — which limits the use of ballot drop boxes and bans volunteers from handing out food and water to resident waiting in line to vote — is running afoul of Major League Baseball's ethics.

On Friday, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said the MLB Draft and All-Star Game are being relocated from Atlanta. Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, said the league had given in to fear.

“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," Manfred said in a statement released by the MLB. "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."

On March 25, the Georgia Legislature passed a sweeping election reform bill sponsored by Republicans in response to former President Donald Trump's contention that he lost the 2020 election due to voting fraud, especially by vote-by-mail and absentee ballots.

The Georgia law places restrictions on voting by mail and increases legislative oversight of elections including taking control of "underperforming" local election systems.

It also prohibits campaign staff and special interest groups from giving out food and water to voters waiting in line at the polls.

"Today, @MLB caved to fear, political opportunism, and liberal lies," Kemp tweeted. "I will not back down. Georgians will not be bullied. We will continue to stand up for secure, accessible, fair elections."

Kemp said he spoke Friday with the leadership of the Atlanta Braves, who told him they do not support the league's decision.

An immediate outcry by Black civil rights leaders and social justice advocates followed Kemp signing the bill into law the same day it passed.

President Joe Biden called the law "Jim Crow in the 21st Century" and "an atrocity," saying the U.S. Justice Department is "taking a look" at the 92-page reform bill.

Now Major League Baseball is voicing its displeasure with the new law by striking back at Georgia's coffers.

The MLB estimates the 2021 All-Star Game will generate anywhere from $37 million to $190 million in economic impact. The 2019 All-Star Game in Cleveland brought roughly $65 million to the region's economy and Atlanta received an estimated $45 million economic boost when the game was held at Turner Field in 2000.

“Major League Baseball fundamentally supports voting rights for all Americans and opposes restrictions to the ballot box," Manfred said. "In 2020, MLB became the first professional sports league to join the nonpartisan 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."

Manfred said the MLB is still finalizing details with the new host city and will announce the location shortly, although ESPN has already announced it will be Los Angeles.

“We will continue with our plans to celebrate the memory of Hank Aaron during this season’s All-Star festivities," he said.

"Just as elections have consequences, so do the actions of those who are elected," Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms tweeted shortly after the MLB's announcement. "Unfortunately, the removal of the @MLB All Star game from GA is likely the 1st of many dominoes to fall, until the unnecessary barriers put in place to restrict access to the ballot box are removed."

"The Atlanta Braves are deeply disappointed by the decision of Major League Baseball to move its 2021 All-Star Game," said the Braves in a statement. "This was neither our decision nor our recommendation, and we are saddened that fans will not be able to see this event in our city. The Braves organization will continue to stress the importance of equal voting opportunities and we had hoped our city could use this event as a platform to enhance the discussion. Unfortunately, businesses, employees and fans in Georgia are the victims of this decision."

Republicans who passed and defended Senate Bill 202 did so knowing the economic risks to our state," said voting rights activist and former Georgia State Rep. Stacey Abrams in a statement issued Friday. "They prioritized making it harder for people of color to vote over the economic well-being of all Georgians. Like many Georgians, I am disappointed that the MLB is relocating the All-Star game, however, I commend the players, owners and league commissioner for speaking out."

Host cities also benefit through a series of community projects hosted by the MLB's nonprofit All-Star Legacy program.

Not wanting to hurt the at-risk children who benefit from these programs, Manfred said the All-Star Legacy projects in Atlanta will go on.

Related stories:

• Election Law Restricts Absentee Voting, Weakens Sec. of State
• Corporations Chime In On GA Election Law After The Fact