To: The Pohlad Family and other MN team owners
Take "ICE Out" of the Ballgame
While masked, federal agents occupied our state, killed citizens, and disappeared members of our community, Minnesota pro sports team owners have stayed on the sidelines.
This unprecedented moment demands much, much more of those who own Minnesota's professional teams.
This unprecedented moment demands much, much more of those who own Minnesota's professional teams.
That’s why we, the fans, are asking team owners to join us and demand that ICE get out of our state, out of our stadiums, and out of any other businesses in the state.
When asked at TwinsFest about what the Twins ownership was doing to protect the community, Twins Executive Chair Tom Pohlad said, “I want to be careful to not necessarily take sides, so to speak.”
Minnesotans have literally sacrificed their lives to protect their neighbors, but you don't want to take sides? It's time for every single owner of a Minnesota sports team, including the Pohlad family, who owns the Twins, to get off the damn sidelines and be counted: Are you with us or ICE?
Minnesotans have literally sacrificed their lives to protect their neighbors, but you don't want to take sides? It's time for every single owner of a Minnesota sports team, including the Pohlad family, who owns the Twins, to get off the damn sidelines and be counted: Are you with us or ICE?
Why is this important?
It’s with (probably unwarranted) love and dedication that we, the fans, demand more of the owners of the teams we love and support. We’re there through wins and losses, a lot of losses, and need them to stand with the community in our current moment.
Team owners signed on to a notoriously tepid letter from Minnesota-based companies, which was little more than word salad. The letter cites “recent challenges facing our state” and calls for an “immediate de-escalation of tensions.”
“Recent challenges” hardly describe the brutality and trauma of President Donald Trump’s mass deportation campaign.
Team owners should follow the lead of athletes and coaches who've had the courage to speak out:
Former Timberwolves player Karl-Anthony Towns tweeted, “These events have cost lives and shaken families — and we must call for accountability, transparency, and protections for all people.”
Vikings legend John Randle posted on Instagram, “Many fans have been scared of backlash, losing friends or followers, but I am saying clearly: I am NOT okay with people being taken from their homes and families being ripped apart. I am NOT okay with people being denied due process. I am NOT okay with reckless violence condoned by the Trump Administration. I am NOT okay with people being murdered in their own communities. I love Minnesota and stand with my entire community. #iceout”
Now it’s time for the Minnesota Twins and every Minnesota pro team to find the courage to speak up for their communities when we’re under attack.
Team owners signed on to a notoriously tepid letter from Minnesota-based companies, which was little more than word salad. The letter cites “recent challenges facing our state” and calls for an “immediate de-escalation of tensions.”
“Recent challenges” hardly describe the brutality and trauma of President Donald Trump’s mass deportation campaign.
Team owners should follow the lead of athletes and coaches who've had the courage to speak out:
Former Timberwolves player Karl-Anthony Towns tweeted, “These events have cost lives and shaken families — and we must call for accountability, transparency, and protections for all people.”
Vikings legend John Randle posted on Instagram, “Many fans have been scared of backlash, losing friends or followers, but I am saying clearly: I am NOT okay with people being taken from their homes and families being ripped apart. I am NOT okay with people being denied due process. I am NOT okay with reckless violence condoned by the Trump Administration. I am NOT okay with people being murdered in their own communities. I love Minnesota and stand with my entire community. #iceout”
Now it’s time for the Minnesota Twins and every Minnesota pro team to find the courage to speak up for their communities when we’re under attack.