After winning the bid to host NBA All-Star Weekend in 2017, the selection of the city of Charlotte is under some scrutiny since North Carolina just passed a law that allows discrimination against LGBT people. The NBA released a statement of concern in regards to the law, saying it could impact their decision about 2017.
Stephen Curry, a Charlotte native, has since spoken out.
TNT analyst Charles Barkley expressed on CNN that he thinks the NBA should go ahead and move the All-Star Game to a different location in 2017:
I think the NBA should move the All-Star game from there next year. As a black person, I’m against any form of discrimination – against whites, Hispanics, gays, lesbians, however you want to phrase it. It’s my job, with the position of power that I’m in and being able to be on television, I’m supposed to stand up for the people who can’t stand up for themselves. So, I think the NBA should move the All-Star game from Charlotte.
The state of North Carolina is experiencing backlash from this law already with several companies removing their business from the state. This is a tricky spot for the NBA.
By releasing the initial statement, which was crucial, the NBA made it very clear that they’re aware of the law and concerned by it, showing upfront sensitivity. Choosing another city to host All-Star Weekend in 2017 would indeed make an even bigger statement, but to what end? The league chose Charlotte as a candidate for a reason, and the city shouldn’t necessarily have to suffer because of a state law.
The NBA is in a tricky spot. With more attention pointing to this law, it will be interesting to see if their stance changes, but the timing of the decision needs to be swift.
