Maya Moore (L) helped to free Jonathan Irons (R) from prison after putting her WNBA career on hold. (Photo: @mooremaya/Instagram)
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Day after day. Month after month. Year after year.
I wrote an article two weeks ago that shined a vibrant light on Maya Moore’s sabbatical from her brilliant basketball career. Instead of burying jumpers and taking defenders to school off the bounce to the bucket, Maya decided to train for a journey of justice. The training paid dividends, and justice has finally prevailed.
WNBA superstar and Minnesota Lynx small forward, Moore, was the X factor in Jonathan Irons’ case for legal equity. After 23 years of wrongful imprisonment, Mr. Irons is rightfully a free man. Countless hours of hard work, prayer, and unyielding faith have paved the road for Irons’ release from behind bars on Wednesday, July 1st. Praise the Lord.
The very next day (Thursday, July 2nd), Maya and Jonathan joined the illustrious Robin Roberts on ABC’s Good Morning America (GMA).
Here’s a YouTube video of their remarkably humbling interview with Robin.
During the afternoon of July 1st, the lead prosecutor in St. Charles County (Missouri) where the burglary and assault took place, Tim Lohmar, decided to decline the retrial of Jonathan’s case. Thank goodness.
This astounding story is one for the ages. Rather than reflect on over two decades of life lost to incarceration, Irons walks steadfastly towards becoming a beacon of luminescence.
“I hope to be an agent of positive change,” Irons said during a recent telephone interview. “I want to encourage and inspire people and share my story with anyone who will listen. I want to be an advocate, part of the conversation going forward, for justice and police reform.”
Mr. Irons went one step further with understanding and absolute forgiveness for the man responsible for his conviction. When asked about the victim of the crime, Stanley Stotler, Irons thwarted any ill will.
“He was a victim twice,” Irons said. “A victim once by the person who burglarized his home and assaulted him. And he was a victim of the police who manipulated him into identifying me. I would extend my hand in peace to him. I want to dialogue with him. If he wanted to go for dinner, I would start there.”
Amazing. God’s love personified, my friends. If it wasn’t for Maya Moore’s involvement in Jonathan Irons’ criminal case, he’d still be behind bars serving a 50-year sentence. The two-time national champion, four-time WNBA champion, and two-time Olympic gold medalist can now add another assist to her numbers despite her hoops’ hiatus. Thank you, Maya. Congratulations, Jonathan. May God richly bless both of you in all of your future endeavors.
Until next week, be smart, stay safe, and stay healthy.
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Randy you did such a great job with showing how the determination of this Superstar athlete made a difference in the life of someone falsely imprisoned. Reminds me of Pat Tillman who also sought freedom for others! Great Work!