The Orlando Magic created headlines throughout the NBA when they donated $50,000 to Never Back Down Inc., the PAC that describes itself as a “grassroots movement to elect Florida governor Ron DeSantis for President in 2024.”
The donation certainly caught the attention of the NBA Players’ Association, which ridiculed the move in a statement released to the press.
However, Governor DeSantis responded in kind to the players’ union blasting the political donation.
“It appears the NBA took a break from protesting our anthem and bending the knee to Communist China to chirp about my policies,” DeSantis said in a tweet while failing to note the Magic are also part of the NBA.
The players’ union called the contribution “alarming” in a Thursday release.
“A political contribution from the Orlando Magic is alarming given recent comments and policies of its beneficiary,” the NBPA said.
“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.”
[Fox News]