The NBA players’ union on Thursday criticized a $50,000 donation made by the Orlando Magic to a support group for Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis, saying it “did not imply support for basketball players. “. In a press release, the NBPA considered this financial contribution to the Florida governor’s campaign “alarming” “given recent comments by its beneficiary”.
Ron DeSantis, Donald Trump’s rival for the Republican nomination, has come under fire for backing new guidelines on how black American history should be taught in schools. In a passage of these guidelines, approved on July 19, it is suggested that slavery brought “benefits” to its victims by allowing them to acquire skills.
The players’ union, while recognizing that the leaders of NBA franchises have “the right to express their political opinions”, asks them to take into account “the values and views of management and players who may be different”. The franchise defended itself by pointing out that the donation was made on May 19, before Ron DeSantis formally launched his campaign.