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By Cassandra Cousineau, LVSportsBiz.com Aces/WNBA Writer
Before the Las Vegas Aces welcomed star point guard Chelsea Gray back to the court Wednesday, the defending two-time WNBA champs also welcomed U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and Reproductiv
Joining Becerra and Roberson was Aces player Alysha Clark.
Clark, a prominent voice on and off the court, emphasized the importance of athletes using their platforms for social advocacy. “For us as players in this league, we are deeply connected to our communities. Issues that often appear on the ballot have a direct impact on us,” she said. “Access to healthcare for communities of color is significantly below average, affecting me, my family, my friends, and people in this league daily. Using our voice and our fan base to advocate for change is crucial.”
Becerra expressed his hope that people would heed the players’ messages, stressing the importance of “being informed and active in voting” to influence state laws and achieve permanent protections through constitutional amendments.
The WNBA’s Commissioner’s Cup in-season tournament raises money and awareness for local charities. And this season, the league’s charitable efforts focused on the impact of voting on the hot-topic issue of reproductive health matters in communities of color and the LGBTQ+ community.
Reproductive Freedom for All Nevada, a state chapter of a national organization, is largely focused on political activism, something the women of the WNBA have embraced.
The WNBA does not shy away from issues that can influence politics and public consciousness. Reproductive health and abortion rights are key issues in the national presidential campaign this year.
Becerra pointed out that he and Roberson can make comments on the issue, but a prominent player like Clark has the ability to amplify their points in ways they can never do.
Clark, who was originally drafted by the San Antonio Stars in 2010, highlighted the education and engagement of WNBA players, noting that “99 percent of the women in this league are college graduates. We are a group of educated women. We do our research and want to help educate others to feel confident in knowing their rights and what they have access to. I hope they take the information we are presenting, go into their local communities, research further, and vote when the time comes.”
The proposed constitutional amendment aims to secure the right to make decisions regarding all aspects of pregnancy, ensuring protections that include prenatal care, childbirth, abortion, and more, with provisions for state regulation of abortion post-fetal viability to safeguard the health of the pregnant individual.
Roberson mentioned Nevada is surrounded by states such as Utah, Arizona and Idaho that have abortion bans, so she said Nevada plays a key role in providing reproductive rights for many women in this region of the United States.
After the 15-minute press conference, the Aces were boosted by seeing Gray back on the court as the WNBA All-Star and U.S. Olympian came off the bench and returned to action for the first time since Oct. 15 in the WNBA Finals against the New York Liberty.
It was also a big night on the court for the Aces as they secured a 94-83 victory over an improved Seattle Storm team that had already beat the Aces at Michelob Ultra Arena earlier this season.
The big news was Gray’s return.
She played with a minutes restriction, on the court for 16 of the game’s 40 minutes. She missed her two shots, but had seven assists, four rebounds, and two blocks.
But the numbers do not fully reflect her impact on the court. Gray’s presence was a significant morale boost for a Las Vegas Aces team that had lost five of its last seven games.
Gray shared what made her recovery easier than her last major injury suffered while playing college ball at Duke.
“The resources and the access I have and the organization that I’m a part of made a huge difference,” Gray. said. “I’ve gone through so many emotions today, and really just being about to be out there with my team was the best feeling in the world.”
Her entrance off the bench was met with a standing ovation.
Jackie Young scored 32 points, while A’ja Wilson added 27.
The Aces return to Michelob Ultra Arena Friday at 7PM when the powerful Connecticut Sun visits Las Vegas.