WNBA, Sports World React To The Freedom Of Jonathan Irons

Maya Moore sacrificed everything.

In her basketball prime and ahead of the 2019 season, Moore put off adding to the four WNBA championships, the league and Finals MVP awards, and numerous other accolades she’d earned throughout her career to put her energy toward social justice, specifically seeking freedom for Jonathan Irons, a man Moore believed was wrongfully sentenced to 50 years in prison on burglary and assault charges. 

Through Moore’s work with Win With Justice, Irons’ conviction was overturned in early 2020. Yesterday, Moore was at the Jefferson City Correctional Facility to greet Irons as he was granted his freedom.

Upon spread of the news, Moore received a wave of support from the WNBA community and sports world at-large.

Congratulations .@MooreMaya. The @WNBA is immensely proud of your hard work and determination. #winwithjustice Cheering for you always…🏀👏👏👏🏀 pic.twitter.com/zLcxseryyb

— Cathy Engelbert (@CathyEngelbert) July 2, 2020

I am so very proud of the work Maya has put in outside of basketball. Always passionate, determined and focused on what needs to be done! Watch her work! Congrats to Maya and Jonathan!!! #freeatlast #justice https://t.co/EHffBVxtY9

— rebekkah brunson (@twin1532) July 2, 2020

pic.twitter.com/DFmBTydkXS

— Cheryl Reeve (@LynxCoachReeve) July 2, 2020

So many things in the works man, I wanna help so many people! Just know I’m gonna need my people’s support, WE GONE CHANGE THE WORLD! ✊🏾🖤

— K. Christmas-Kelly (@RimaC13) July 2, 2020

Dream fulfilled! https://t.co/kpR59SXV3p

— Jim Petersen (@JimPeteHoops) July 2, 2020

Amazing ❤️ https://t.co/STp4hsLnik

— Sue Bird (@S10Bird) July 2, 2020

Please take a moment and listen to this story. As we are in times of unrest let this be a beacon of hope and light. “When fear knocks on the door, let Faith Open it” @RobinRoberts 🙏🏾 To @MooreMaya & Jonathan So Proud! Rest and Continue to be a blessing. 🖤✊🏾 https://t.co/0gMnyXwVaF

— Swin Cash (@SwinCash) July 2, 2020

Maya is a champion. https://t.co/9LIp2CJ3qG

— Steve Kerr (@SteveKerr) July 2, 2020

This is incredible. 🙏❤️ https://t.co/IXJivvjLcM

— Megan Rapinoe (@mPinoe) July 2, 2020

We literally can’t talk enough about Maya Moore. What a legend. https://t.co/2ehloeOl49

— Bucci Mane (@Buccigross) July 2, 2020

People need to understand how huge this is. Maya Moore is one of the most decorated basketball players of all time and she halted her career IN HER PRIME to right an injustice. This is just amazing. https://t.co/y51FROlLZP

— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) July 2, 2020

THE THINGS MAYA MOORE HAS DONE….UNBELIEVABLE.! I APPLAUD HER TO THE HIGHEST POWER.!! INSPIRATIONAL..!! #JUSTICE

— JAE CROWDER (@CJC9BOSS) July 2, 2020

Wowww! Sooo much respect for Maya Moore for giving up basketball to fight for justice. Loving the world starts with loving an individual. Inspirational!! https://t.co/V6bMr2Ph2S

— Jeremy Lin (@JLin7) July 2, 2020

Legendary https://t.co/ItNZFRee4C

— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) July 2, 2020