Orlando Magic donates $50k to Ron DeSantis’ campaign, NBPA protests
The donation also drew the ire of New Orleans Pelicans forward Larry Nance Jr. on social media in recent hours
The National Basketball Players Association on Thursday said that a $50,000 donation made by the Orlando Magic to a super PAC supporting Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ presidential campaign was “alarming given 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 statement said. “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 statement comes after DeSantis made comments supporting Florida’s new African American history standards that states that some Black people benefited from slavery.