Utah leaders react to MLB moving All-Star Game away from Atlanta

SALT LAKE CITY — Members of Utah’s all-Republican congressional delegation are weighing-in on the decision to remove the Major League Baseball All-Star Game from Atlanta.

All-Star Game heading west

These Utah representatives argue Major League Baseball and other large corporations are bowing to “misinformed” political pressure over Georgia voting laws.

Baseball moved the upcoming All-Star Game in July to Denver in response to Georgia laws that they say will restrict voter access and disproportionately impact people of color.

Already dozens of companies, including Delta Air Lines and Coca-Cola, have condemned the Georgia legislation.

In a joint statement, Representatives Chris Stewart and Blake Moore said they believe the decisions made by several corporations have been based on a fictitious narrative, rather than the facts.

Similarly, Senator Mike Lee called criticism of the law “wildly partisan” and he thinks these corporations should issue an apology to the voters of Georgia.

Why does @MLB still have antitrust immunity? It’s time for the federal government to stop granting special privileges to specific, favored corporations—especially those that punish their political opponents. https://t.co/k3GIZuGYHB

— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) April 2, 2021

Additionally, he questioned why Major League Baseball continues to have antitrust immunity.

Going beyond political rhetoric

Also responding on Twitter, Senator Mitt Romney directed his ire at the national media, saying they have a responsibility to go beyond political rhetoric and to provide analysis and truth.

The media had a responsibility to go behind the political rhetoric about the Georgia voting law and provide analysis & truth. Instead, most spread partisan disinformation and inflamed passions & division, further blurring the line between social media & a responsible free press.

— Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) April 5, 2021

Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred says he held conversations last week with teams, the Players Association and the Players Alliance to better understand their views on the issue.