Ross: MLB made ‘strong statement’ moving All-Star Game originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
Cubs manager David Ross offered support for MLB's decision to move the 2021 All-Star Game from Atlanta in response to a new restrictive voting law in Georgia.
"It’s a pretty strong statement that MLB is making and why they're making it, to support the equal voting rights for everyone," Ross said pregame Saturday.
"I would definitely agree with that and it’s a pretty big step for Major League Baseball to move the All-Star Game, so kudos to them," Ross added.
The law, signed by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp last week, limits the number of ballot drop boxes, shortens the amount of time voters have to request an absentee ballot, adds strict identification requirements for those who vote by mail and makes it a crime to offer water to voters waiting in line, among other provisions.
In a statement Friday, MLB said, "We proudly used our platform to encourage baseball fans and communities throughout our country to perform their civic duty and actively participate in the voting process. Fair access to voting continues to have our game’s unwavering support."
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As for where the All-Star Game will be played, the league expects to announce a new location in the coming days. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker offered Chicago up as a potential host.
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One reporter Saturday asked Ross for his thoughts on where the game should be played. The Cubs skipper in turn asked the reporter for any suggestions, and they mentioned Milwaukee due to its connection to Hank Aaron — who will be honored at the game after passing away in January.
"There's a little nostalgia in that for sure," Ross said. "I think there's a lot of people smarter than me that are going to make that decision about where to move it and what's best for the game. They'll figure that out.
"I'm sure no matter what — I haven’t been able to go to too many All-Star games — it'll be a great event, no matter where it's held. I know they do a good job."
Ross then quipped, "We can take a poll, put it on the Twitter machine and see what happens."
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