DeSantis chides NBA union for backlash against Orlando Magic donation to aligned super PAC
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – Gov. Ron DeSantis fired back after pushback from the National Basketball Players Association regarding a $50,000 donation made by the Orlando Magic to a DeSantis-supporting super PAC.
In a press release, the NBA players union called the contribution “alarming given recent comments and policies of its beneficiary.”
“It appears the NBA took a break from protesting our anthem and bending the knee to Communist China to chirp about my policies,” DeSantis said in response.
DeSantis’ remarks stem from a litany of NBA owners holding financial interests with links to the Chinese Communist Party in upwards over $10 billion.
Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, came under fire last season for the team’s initial decision to omit the anthem before home games.
The donation from Orlando Magic LTD was sent to the DeSantis-supporting Never Back Down Inc. super PAC, which proclaims itself as a “grassroots movement to elect Governor Ron DeSantis for President in 2024.”
In a press release, the NBA players union called the contribution “alarming given recent comments and policies of its beneficiary.”
The association said team owners should have considered the perspectives of staff and players before donating.
“NBA governors, players and personnel have the right to express their personal political views, including through donations and statements,” they 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 union went on to make clear “The Magic’s donation does not represent player support for the recipient.”
A spokesperson for the Orlando Magic clarified that the check was dated and delivered on May 19.
According to the Federal Elections Commission, the team’s “receipt date” to the super PAC was marked as June 26.
“To clarify, this gift was given before Governor DeSantis entered the presidential race,” a Magic spokesperson said in a statement. “It was given as a Florida business in support of a Florida governor for the continued prosperity of Central Florida.”
DeSantis launched his presidential run on May 24.
The NBPA’s response came amidst recent approval by the Florida Board of Education to the state’s African American History curriculum. DeSantis has received some backlash from Democrats and Republican’s on the states interpretation of its context, including a section citing that “slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit.”
