Dream's Montgomery skipping 2020 season to focus on social justice work
Atlanta Dream guard Renee Montgomery says she will sit out the 2020 WNBA season in order to work toward social justice.
After much thought, I’ve decided to opt out of the 2020 WNBA season. There’s work to be done off the court in so many areas in our community. Social justice reform isn’t going to happen overnight but I do feel that now is the time and Moments equal Momentum. Lets keep it going!
— Renee Montgomery (@itsreneem_) June 18, 2020
Dream president Chris Sienko said the organization supported Montgomery's decision.
"We are disappointed Renee will not be contributing on the court this season, but her assistance to the community is extremely significant and will help bring attention to important causes," Sienko said in a statement. "We fully support Renee's off-the-court efforts and know that she can help facilitate change in Atlanta and around the globe."
Montgomery has raised money to support protesters and the Black Lives Matter movement, and she also established the Renee Montgomery Foundation to impact youth through sports.
Minnesota Lynx forward Maya Moore announced in January that she would sit out a second consecutive season to continue her work on criminal justice reform.
Montgomery is an 11-year veteran and two-time WNBA champion. She signed with Atlanta in 2018 and has averaged 9.9 points and 3.2 assists in two seasons with the team. She ranks third on the franchise's all-time leaderboard for 3-pointers with 146.
The WNBA announced Monday that it was finalizing plans to hold a 22-game regular season at the IMG Academy in Florida.