Former MLB Commissioner Disagrees With Manfred Decision To Move ASG

By now, I'm sure you have heard about Major League Baseball's decision to move the All-Star Game out of Atlanta. That controversial decision came after mounting pressure to punish the state of Georgia following the passing of new voting laws.

Let's just say it hasn't gone over well.

There has been severe backlash over the decision, especially since other logical measures haven't followed. For example, the Atlanta Braves will still play all 81 of their home games in the state, and they haven't even made an attempt to find a change of venue.

Why? Well, I'll tell you why: commissioner Rob Manfred isn't getting pressured by activist to move the Braves home games. This isn't about what's right or wrong with the new laws -- it's about pressure. Georgia governor Brian Kemp recently said as much on OutKick the Coverage with Clay Travis.

Former MLB commissioner Fay Vincent even disagrees with Manfred's decision to move the game. In a recent article for the Wall Street Journal, Vincent laid out his concerns with the tactic.

"Major League Baseball can't become a weapon in the culture wars, a hostage for one political party or ideology," Vincent said in the article. "It can't be only for the rich or the poor, nor can it only be for one race, as it was until 1947. Baseball must always stand above politics and its dark elements of corruption, green and sordid selfishness. It can't go wrong by standing for national greatness."

Well said, sir.

As far as backlash for moving the game, Vincent thinks Manfred brought that on himself.

"The talk shows and editorial pages are full of questions," Vincent pointed out. "What is the basis for acting so forcefully against Georgia? If Georgia is racist, how can baseball talk of doing business with China? Mr. Manfred failed to spell out specific criticisms of Georgia’s voting law. Now he’s put himself in the awkward position of having to defend Colorado’s voting laws."

Another bingo.

There are so many inconsistencies with the decision to move the All-Star Game, and it's opened baseball up for unnecessary criticism. And why? To appease social justice warriors constantly trying to find something to cancel, change or move? OK, baseball. Good luck with that.

Follow Clint Lamb on Twitter @ClintRLamb.