When it comes to fighting for equality in sports, icon Billie Jean King is in a league of her own. On Thursday morning, King called on the Alabama High School Athletic Association to "do the right thing" and reinstate Maori Davenport for the rest of her senior season.
This is maddening. To force Maori Davenport to miss her senior year of high school basketball because of a mistake that wasn't even her fault is nonsensical. Do the right thing, @AHSAA_hoops, and let her play. https://t.co/o0XALHaiUv
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) January 10, 2019
King's comments join a growing chorus of sports influencers who have advocated for Davenport's reinstatement. On Thursday night, Kobe Bryant also shared his take.
This #MaoriDavenport situation is just about the most ridiculous thing I've heard in youth basketball. Let her play!
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) January 11, 2019
The Women's Sports Foundation, the WNBA, Chris Paul, Spaulding and others have voiced their support of Davenport as well.
Davenport, who has signed with Rutgers University, played for the United States at the FIBA Americas Under-18 Championship in August, helping the team capture the gold medal in Mexico City. After the tournament, USA Basketball mistakenly sent Davenport a check for $857.20 as compensation for lost wages and expenses, which she cashed. In November, USA Basketball realized the error, and then notified the school and the family. Davenport returned the money the following day.
The Alabama High School Athletic Association, however, has ruled Davenport ineligible for the entirety of her senior season because cashing the check violated the state's amateur rule.