WNBA rescinds fines for protest shirts

NEW YORK — The WNBA is withdrawing its fines for teams and players that showed support of citizens and police involved in recent shootings by wearing black warmup shirts before and during games.

WNBA president Lisa Borders said in a statement Saturday the league was rescinding penalties given to the Indiana Fever, New York Liberty, Phoenix Mercury and their players for wearing the shirts — a uniform violation. The players started wearing them to show solidarity after shootings in Minnesota and Baton Rouge, La.

Each team was fined $5,000, and players were each given a $500 penalty because WNBA rules stated that uniforms may not be altered in any way. The normal fine for uniform violations is $200.

“While we expect players to comply with league rules and uniform guidelines, we also understand their desire to use their platform to address important societal issues,” Borders said.

Rev Del Rio / Getty Images With son Brexton passing on a bit of tradition, Kyle Busch kisses the bricks along with his wife Samantha and crew members after winning Saturday’s Xfinity Series race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.