NAACP Urging Athletes Not To Sign With Texas Based Pro Teams Over Legislation

The NAACP penned a two-page letter to the players' associations of five professional sports on Thursday, calling for athletes not to sign with Texas based teams.

The letter comes amid Texas Gov. Greg Abbott implementing new laws that the NAACP called "archaic". The laws called into question are an abortion law that bans procedures after six weeks of pregnancy, a bill that tightens voting laws, the banning of vaccine mandates and the bill that says youth athletes must play against the gender they were born with.

"Over the past few months, legislators in Texas have passed archaic policies, disguised as laws, that directly violate privacy rights and a woman's freedom to choose, restrict access to free and fair elections for Black and brown voters, and increase the risk of contracting coronavirus," the letter reads.

The teams the NAACP are asking players not to sign with come from the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and the WNBA. NAACP president and CEO Derrick Johnson signed off on the letter, calling for free agents to think twice before signing.

"If you are considering signing in Texas, I ask you to ensure that owners are upholding their responsibility of protecting you, the athlete, and your family," the letter states. "I ask you to use your influence to help protect the constitutional rights of each individual at risk."

The letter continues, saying that Texas is the leading the way in dismantling civil rights in the nation.

"Texas is setting a precedent for effectively dismantling civil rights throughout the nation. Their top priority is infringing on their constitutional duty to promote the general welfare," the letter reads. "It is time we take this situation into our own hands and stand up for what is right. It is up to those with a voice to stand up for the women in our lives, to protect our children and our fellow citizens."