NBA players union, Larry Nance Jr. rip ‘alarming’ donation by Magic to Ron DeSantis PAC

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The National Basketball Players Association is distancing the players of the Orlando Magic from a political donation the franchise made to the political action committee that supports the presidential campaign of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

“A political contribution from the Orlando Magic is alarming given recent comments and policies of its beneficiary,” the NBPA said Thursday in a statement. “NBA governors, players and personnel have the right to express their personal political views, including through donations and statements.

“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. The Magic’s donation does not represent player support for the recipient.”

The Orlando Magic’s first NBA season was 1989.

The Magic’s donation was received June 26, according to records filed to the Federal Election Commission. The team initially emailed a statement to USA TODAY Sports Wednesday afternoon, indicating that they “don’t publicly comment on political contributions.” Hours later, however, a spokesperson sent an update, saying the check was dated and delivered May 19.

“To clarify, this gift was given before Governor DeSantis entered the presidential race,” the spokesperson said in the follow-up statement. “It was given as a Florida business in support of a Florida governor for the continued prosperity of Central Florida.”

The move by the Magic has also come under fire from former Cleveland Cavaliers forward Larry Nance Jr.

“So the Orlando Magic,” Nance wrote on X, formerly Twitter, “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?”

Nance Jr. was on the Cavs when they won the 2016 NBA Finals and currently plays for the New Orleans Pelicans.

DeSantis formally announced his presidential campaign May 24, a few days after the organization’s donation; as of May 18, however, it had become clear that DeSantis was preparing to…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nba-players-union-larry-nance-165033337.html?src=rss

Author : Akron Beacon Journal

Publish date : 2023-08-04 16:50:33

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