The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
McCoughtry
next after the next. We get to see it on video. But it was just important to try to find some type of initiative while playing basketball that we could kind of advocate for. That’s how we were able to do the Say Her Name campaign, and it has become a big success. So I’ve been really proud of what’s come out of it.
Kelly Loeffler made her comments on the league’s initiatives public Tuesday. There’s been calls from players for Loeffler to leave the WNBA. Why is it important to you and other WNBA players for that to happen?
I think because she’s definitely going against what we stand for. First of all, women. And why are you going against women having a voice and doing something right? You have time to write a letter to our commissioner about this. Write a letter to the families (of victims of police brutality) and write your condolences. How about that?
Her focus is wrong right now. It’s not like we’re out here advocating hate. Who wants to stop something that’s right? I’m actually shocked by her actions. Sometimes you got to play the political game, and I get it. But don’t mess with us in this political game. I know you got to please your counterparts, if that’s the case, then let them know that we’ve been in your home. We’ve (broken) bread with you. If this is the person that she really is, I know that I don’t want to be around someone who just doesn’t advocate for what’s right.
In early April you spoke about Loeffler as an owner, saying she was a supporter of the Dream and WNBA and was someone that always had your back. How much has your mind changed on that? Do you feel differently?
I did tweet about that and I did feel like she was someone who would’ve had my back. I did feel like she was someone who was a nice person. But I had to go back and think about it, and say “You know what, I don’t get to see people’s true colors.” Because when you’re a star athlete, you’re not going to see the real things, you’re going to get the facade. Like in Louisville, I never witnessed any social injustices or prejudices in Kentucky. It’s evident that in Kelly’s case, she’s saying she doesn’t support LGBTQ, but if that’s the case, then why would you have players who are in the LGBTQ community in your home?
It’s all kind of like a double standard, even with the men who had the guns. They’re called the mob. When they’re Caucasian Americans, they aren’t called mobs. So why is everything a double standard right now? I was like, “Hey Kelly, blink twice if you really need us.”
Do you want to be involved in the process of Atlanta finding a new owner?
I’m not with Atlanta anymore. So Atlanta is not my focus. I’ve done my part in Atlanta. And I’ve spoken up on a lot of things I felt that weren’t right in Atlanta. You know how that goes when you start speaking up on things. And not just on Kelly Loeffler, there’s other things. That’s why I’m not there. But my energy’s not there anymore. My energy’s in Las Vegas.
How are you feeling about being in Florida, and what’s it been like practicing and playing with the Aces?
The bubble’s been cool. I have a lot of time to get work done. I’m going outside to do workouts until we can work out with the team because we have to quarantine for a week. We’re safer in the bubble than out in the real world, so I just look at it like summer camp.
I’m excited to play with some of (this) amazing talent. I’m just ready to play with A’ja Wilson, Liz (Cambage), Kayla McBride. Of course, Kelsey Plum when she gets back. Watching them last year, I had chills watching them hit the half-court shot (to advance in the playoffs).
Of course, at that time I didn’t know I was going to be on that team. It’s funny because years ago, Vegas didn’t make the playoffs. And I remember we were shaking hands after the game, and I had looked at A’ja. I could tell she was kind of upset, and I looked at A’ja and I said, “A’ja, it’s coming.” I said “Be patient, it’s coming.”
And I could tell she really took that. But now, to know that I’m her teammate, and it’s here. I’m really excited to be a part of the process of being (here) now. It’s really cool.