The National Basketball Players’ Association (NBPA) has taken issue with the Orlando Magic’s decision to donate $50,000 to a political action committee that supports Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Specifically, the NBPA says the donation was particularly troublesome due to the “recent comments and policies of its beneficiary.”
“NBA governors, players and personnel have the right to express their personal political views, including through donations and statements,” the NBPA stated, according to ESPN.
“However, if contributions are made on behalf of an entire team, using money earned through the labor of its employees, it is incumbent upon the team governors to consider the diverse values and perspectives of staff and players.”
Despite criticism from the NBPA, the Magic and the NBA have stood by the franchise’s ability to donate to the Republican presidential candidate.
“It was given as a Florida business in support of a Florida governor for the continued prosperity of Central Florida,” Magic Chief Communications Officer Joel Glass said.
“Team governors make their own decisions on the political contributions they make and we respect the right of members of the NBA family to express their political views,” the NBA added in a separate statement.
With that said, this does not appear to be an issue that players will forget about anytime soon.
“So the Orlando Magic, who have a majority black roster, a black head coach, and a black GM decided it was a good idea to support a man that claims that slavery had personal benefits for the enslaved?” New Orleans Pelicans Forward Larry Nance tweeted.
