Yankees, Rays refuse to cover games on social networks, use platforms to spread violence with weapons

The New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Flight used their social media accounts during a meeting Thursday night between the teams to spread information about how gun violence affects the lives of Americans.

The move came in response to the recent mass shootings in Uwalde, Texas, and Buffalo. Several famous sports figures – including Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr – have used their platform over the past few days to call for action to combat gun violence.

MLB social media accounts are commonly used during games to show key videos, relay baseball stats, or share witty jokes with other accounts about field activities. On Thursday it was replaced by messages like “Firearms were the leading cause of death for American children and adolescents in 2020».

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Then both accounts posted a link to the source of their information.

“Instead of covering and collaborating with the Tampa Bay Rays, we will use our channels to offer facts about the consequences of gun violence,” the Yankees said in a statement. “The devastating events that took place in Uwalde, Buffalo and countless other communities in our country are unbearable tragedies.”

The Rays also released a statement stating that the recent shootings “cannot become normal.”

“We all deserve safety – in schools, grocery stores, places of worship, our neighborhoods, homes and America. The recent mass shootings in Buffalo and Uwalde have shaken us to the core. The Tampa Bay Rays mourn these emotional tragedies that have taken the lives of innocent children and adults.

“It can’t become normal. We can’t be numb. We cannot look the other way. We all know that if nothing changes, nothing changes. “

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The shooting at Uwalde School was especially personal for Rays Rally brooch Rally, who hails from Uwalde and still has a family living in the city. He attended the school where the shooting took place.

The NBA’s Miami Heath also had a different approach to raising awareness and called for change after the Uwalde shooting. Before the 5th game of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night, Heath observed a minute of silence of those who were killed – after which there was a statement calling to call lawmakers and demand change.

“The heat is urging you to contact your state senators by calling 202-224-3121 to leave a message demanding support for common sense weapons laws,” announcer Michael Bayamonte told fans, some of whom burst into applause.

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This moment was also broadcast as part of the ESPN game telecast.

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AP basketball writer Tim Reynolds of Miami contributed to this story.

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