Woke NBA Players Freak Out After Orlando Magic Donates $50K to Ron DeSantis

Clear Facts:

• The NBA team Orlando Magic has made a $50,000 political contribution to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, drawing criticism from New Orleans Pelicans player Larry Nance Jr. due to DeSantis’s controversial public school curriculum that suggests enslaved people “developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit.”
• The Orlando Magic stood by their donation, stating it was given before DeSantis’s presidential bid as a show of support for continued prosperity in Central Florida. The National Basketball Players Association expressed concern, but the team maintains its right to express personal political views, including through donations.
• This controversy comes as DeSantis continues to defend his educational policies and works on resetting his campaign, underlining the political implications of his stance on racial issues. It points to the challenges faced by individuals and organizations in navigating politically-charged climates while aligning with their chosen values and principles.

The National Basketball Association (NBA) team Orlando Magic has faced criticism after a $50,000 political donation to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

This contribution is criticized by New Orleans Pelicans power forward Larry Nance Jr., amongst others, in light of DeSantis’s controversial public school curriculum, which implies that enslaved people “developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit.”

Nance Jr. took to Twitter to complain, stating, “So the @OrlandoMagic 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?”

This tweet brings attention to the apparent disconnect between the Orlando Magic’s composition and the political figure they support.

The Orlando Magic have defended their actions, clarifying that their donation was not for a presidential campaign.

The team asserted, “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.”

Despite this explanation, the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) also expressed its concern.

The union shared 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.”

This controversy is particularly notable in light of Orlando Magic’s participation in various progressive initiatives, such as the ‘NBA Green’ campaign and ‘Pride’ night.

However, the team’s late owner, Richard DeVos, had a reputation for strong conservative leanings.

The billionaire co-founder of Amway supported various Republican candidates and was an active participant in the fight against same-sex marriage.

His daughter-in-law, Betsy DeVos, continued the conservative trend during her tenure as Education Secretary under former President Donald Trump.

Despite the criticism, Governor DeSantis continues to defend his education record and insists his detractors are misinterpreting the policy.

Yet, many civil rights leaders, like Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP, have criticized DeSantis’s stance.

His organization issued a travel advisory for Florida in May, cautioning African Americans against what they perceive as DeSantis’ attempts to erase Black history and restrict diversity and inclusion programs in Florida schools.

This disagreement underscores the political and practical implications of DeSantis’ approach to racial issues, a significant factor as he aims to re-energize his campaign and improve the Republican Party’s status among voters of color.

Larry Nance Jr., who typically is not outspoken about political matters, has carved out a career as a diligent, athletic power forward, playing with four NBA teams over the years.

The 30-year-old, who has two seasons and $21 million remaining on his contract, echoes the sentiments of many players and fans who feel a disconnect between the team’s financial support and its players’ values.

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