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Donovan Mitchell, ever active on social media and in the cause for social justice, tweeted out a response to a very controversial statement made by Real Salt Lake owner Dell Loy Hansen.
RSL was among teams yesterday who refused to suit up and play their game, joining squads from the NBA, MLB, WNBA and fellow MLS teams who did not play out Wednesday’s sports schedule.
Hansen responded vocally on X96 Radio From Hell, a station he owns, a response that has drawn ire from all sides.
DLH - "it's taken a lot of wind out of my sails on how much I want to invest in the team - buying players and building the team." #RSL
— Jake (@bjakesimons) August 27, 2020
WOW.
Hansen comments also included saying players don’t “support our local community,” felt “stabbed in the back,” and that he felt the boycott showed “disrespect” to him personally and also said he will now have to lay off 40-50 workers because of the cancelled game which would have had some fans in the stands.
After these comments were made public on Twitter, Mitchell gave his response.
WOW... if it’s taken “the wind” out then sell the team... I stand with @realsaltlake players ✊ https://t.co/Xym06Lpy8n
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) August 27, 2020
This comment from Mitchell is among many now calling for Hansen to sell the Real Salt Lake franchise. Hansen also owns NWSL team Utah Royals FC.
Mitchell wasn’t the only Jazz player to speak up. Royce O’Neale tweeted support for the players as well.
WOW.....stand together and fight for change @realsaltlake players https://t.co/nBx3DZwVeI
— Royce O'Neale (@BucketsONeale00) August 27, 2020
Those close to the team are saying there are rumors that it is in “Take-Over Mode.”
hearing that there is a meeting happening at RSL with Coaches and Management. Word is that MLS may be in take-over mode. Staying close to it. #RSL
— Jake (@bjakesimons) August 27, 2020
The RSL community combined with powerful voices like Donovan Mitchell and Royce O’Neale appear to be making positive change in the community.