This archive report was first published on 3 July 2020.
Published on July 3, 2020, Maya Moore's decision to leave basketball to help free Jonathan Irons has been a testament to her unwavering commitment to justice.
Moore's journey began in 2007, when she met Irons through a prison ministry. As she learned more about his case, she vowed to help him prove his innocence, forming a sibling-like bond with him.
Moore's decision to leave basketball was met with little fanfare, with few recognizing her on the streets of Atlanta, her adopted hometown. However, her dedication to the cause has not gone unnoticed, with many praising her for her courage and conviction.
According to Penn State professor Davis, Moore's work often gets overlooked, with people only acknowledging her efforts as an afterthought. 'When people are reporting on LeBron or the N.B.A. players doing something for society, and they know they need to nod to a woman they will be like, 'Oh, and there is also Maya Moore's work.' Generally, without deeply considering what it is she is doing and the sacrifice that is required.'
Moore is no stranger to fighting against being overlooked, having been a vocal advocate for social justice throughout her career. In 2016, she and her Minnesota Lynx teammates engaged in a powerful protest, wearing T-shirts with the names of Philando Castile and Alton Sterling, and the phrases 'Justice and Accountability' and 'Black Lives Matter.'
The move sparked controversy, but it also sparked a wave of support from players across the league, and paved the way for Colin Kaepernick's iconic kneel during the national anthem.
