The Major League Baseball (MLP) commissioner’s office announced Friday that it was moving its traditional All-Star game from Atlanta, but did not immediately notify new headquarters.

The decision to move the Midseason Classic and College sweepstakes, among other ceremonies that are part of it, is the League’s strongest response to a new Georgia state voting law, with critics unfairly restricting access to the ballot, especially to people of color.

“Over the past week, we have had intense discussions with clubs, past and present players, the Players ‘Association (MLBPA) and the Players’ Alliance to hear their views. I have decided that the best way to prove our values ​​is to be All-Star. Replacing the game and this year’s MLP draft is a game, “said Commissioner Rob Manfred in a statement.

“The MLP basically supports the voting rights of all Americans and opposes restrictions on elections. In 2020, the MLP became the first professional sports league to join the impartial Civic Alliance to help shape the future of engaging everyone in shaping America.” Said Manfred.

“We are proud to use our site to encourage baseball fans and communities across our country to do their civic duty and actively participate in the voting process. Fair access to voting is consistently supported by our sport,” he said.

“We will continue our plans to celebrate Hong Aaron’s memory at this season’s All – Star Festivals. In addition, MLP Investments is scheduled to support local communities in Atlanta as part of our legacy All – Star projects. We are finalizing negotiations with the new host. City and details about these events It will be announced soon, “said Manfred.

“The Atlanta Braves are very disappointed with the Major League Baseball decision,” the National League team said in a statement.

“This is not our decision or our recommendation. We regret that our fans were not able to see the event in our city. The Braves organization will continue to value the importance of the right to electoral justice, and we hope that the event can serve as a platform to enhance the debate,” the panel said.

“Unfortunately, businesses, employees and fans were affected by this decision,” they said.

“The Players Alliance supports the Major League Baseball decision to expel the All-Star game from the state of Georgia at this crucial time of racial upheaval and inequality,” said Blair’s Alliance, a company with 150 current and former African American players.

Two years ago, MLP presented the All-Star Game to Atlanta, which in 2017 opened a new arena for the Braves in Troist Park. This is the third time, at Turner Field since 2000, that Atlanta has had a star-studded encounter.

Los Angeles Lakers basketball player LeBron James “took pride in calling me part of the MLP family” on Twitter. James, one of the most influential athletes on the planet, is a minority member of the Boston Red Sox.

“I would like to commend and thank MLP Commissioner Rob Manfred for expelling the All-Star Game from Georgia after the Governor signed the new Controlled Voting Act. A way to take a strong stand as a leader!” He wrote on his social media wall. Erwin “Magic” Johnson, a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame and minority owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Last week, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed into law a law reforming state elections that includes new restrictions on voting by mail and giving the legislature greater control over how the election process is conducted. Voter rights groups have warned that the law marginalizes colorless voters.

“I’m worried about how American this whole effort is. It’s not sick, it’s not sick,” President Joe Biden told a news conference.