The NBA said Friday it is still now planning to hold its 2017 All-Star Game in Charlotte, North Carolina. “We can be most constructive by working with the elected officials to effect change”.
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“The current state of the law is problematic for the league but we’re not making any announcements now”, Silver told a news conference after a two-day National Basketball Association board of governors meeting in NY. Oakland still wants it to be them and they want it here at Oracle Arena.
More than 120 companies have also denounced the law and both PayPal and Deutsche Bank have canceled planned expansions, costing the state almost 650 jobs. A bipartisan group of US senators, players and coaches are now calling for the All-Star game to be moved out of Charlotte. “(It was) unanimous amongst owners that we stand against any form of discrimination in society… “My concern here is that it would be easy in a way to grandstand here and announce we are moving the All-Star game even though that game is not scheduled to take place for 10 months”.
Lauper’s move came a week after rock legend Bruce Springsteen cancelled a show in the southern U.S. state to protest the law, which prevents local governments from acting to stop discrimination against LGBTQIA people in public facilities or restrooms.
He added that it is in the best interest of the league to work with the state and private sector to ensure the league plays in an a setting that does not discriminate. The law bans people from using bathrooms that don’t match the sex indicated on their birth certificates, which opponents argue is discriminatory toward the transgender community.
Silver, a Duke University graduate, said he is concerned about the law and its “issues regarding human rights and discrimination”.
The NBA released a statement on March 24 saying, “The NBA is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all who attend our games and events”.
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“We appreciate and are grateful for the NBA’s decision to keep the All-Star Game in Charlotte. I think what’s next would be to say, ‘Should your team be playing in Charlotte, North Carolina?’ We have a playoff game there next week”. We have to understand all perspectives here.
