The Orlando Magic organization made a shocking political statement recently, which has prompted a statement from the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) on Thursday.
A donation of $50,000 from the Magic organization was made recently to Never Back Down, a Political Action Committee (PAC) promoting Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in his run for the Republican presidential nomination.
The Magic tried to explain this donation after it was revealed by saying that it was less of a political statement and simply a “gift from a Florida business in support of a Florida governor”.
“To clarify, this gift was given before Governor DeSantis entered the presidential race. It was given as a Florida business in support of a Florida governor for the continued prosperity of Central Florida,” the team said in a statement.
Fans certainly didn’t buy this explanation, seeing it as far more of a right-wing political statement in support of DeSantis’s Republican candidacy.
It’s undoubtedly surprising to see an NBA team outwardly supporting a political figure like this, and the NBPA issued a statement on the matter, saying that this donation is “alarming”.
“A political contribution from the Orlando Magic is alarming given recent comments and policies of its beneficiary,” the statement read. “NBA governors, players, and personnel have the right to express their political views, including through donations and statements.
“However, if contributions are made on behalf of an entire team, using money 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.”
This donation certainly unfairly tied countless members of the Magic organization to DeSantis and his campaign, even if they don’t want that to be the case…