It has been established that something needs to be done about the recent Anti-LGBT legislation passed in the state of North Carolina. If nothing is done about it, Adam Silver and the NBA will relocate 2017 All-Star weekend from Charlotte. Owner of the Charlotte Hornets and NBA legend Michael Jordan is the latest to speak out against the law. From Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer:
With the threat of the NBA pulling its 2017 All-Star Game from Charlotte in the wake of House Bill 2, Hornets owner Michael Jordan reinforced his franchise’s position against any form of discrimination.
“As my organization has stated previously, the Charlotte Hornets and Hornets Sports & Entertainment are opposed to discrimination in any form, and we have always sought to provide an inclusive environment,” Jordan said in a statement to the Observer in response to an interview request regarding HB2.
“As has been the case since the building opened, we will continue to ensure that all fans, players and employees feel welcome while at work or attending NBA games and events at Time Warner Cable Arena.”
Here is the previous statement that Jordan referred to:
The Charlotte Hornets have issued the following statement: pic.twitter.com/5IOzSjjncM
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) March 25, 2016
Obviously, Jordan and the Hornets don’t want to lose the All-Star game. That weekend is a massive source of publicity and revenue. There may not be a more well-known figure in the sport of basketball than Michael Jordan. Hopefully him standing up against this legislation, along with Stephen Curry, Charles Barkley, and Stan Van Gundy, will be enough for North Carolina to repeal it.
