Because of North Carolina’s controversial HB2 law, the originally planned 2017 NBA All-Star Game for Charlotte was moved to New Orleans earlier this year. But NBA Commissioner Adam Silver insists that giving Charlotte an All-Star Game in the future is still high on his list, and he’s singled out 2019 as the year when Charlotte will get the game, provided laws friendlier to the LGBT community are passed.
Silver spoke at an event in Charlotte, during which Hornets owner Michael Jordan christened the first of three basketball courts that will be refurbished in local neighborhoods.
“We were in an unfortunate position that we were moving the game, so for me it is a high priority given the investments in the arena, given the investments in the team that Michael and his ownership group has made, and the city and state have made in the Hornets,” Silver said.
[…]
“The issues that we are primarily focused on are those of acceptance and inclusiveness — and the bill goes far beyond directing what bathrooms people should use,” Silver added, referring to the common perception that the bill is a “bathroom bill” only. “From that standpoint, it has been misrepresented. Ultimately for us, it’s about creating the right environment, specifically for a celebratory event like our All-Star team.”
Jordan didn’t add his own comments about the law, but he did speak about how powerful the moment was for him just a month after rioting gripped the city after the controversial police killing of Keith Lamont Scott.
“Charlotte is a very special place for me and my family,” he said. “Together me and the Hornets, and the colleagues of the Hornets, will continue to work every day to reject violence, change perceptions and restore the trust between law enforcement and the community.”
“It reminds me of the great lessons that I have learned from the great game of basketball — all of the things that the game has taught me,” he said. “How to learn. How work hard each and every day. The value of teamwork. The importance of communicating with your teammates, and how preparation and hard work and perseverance and what it teaches you every day. Winning feels great, but you can learn a lot from losing and competing.”
[AP]
