Louisiana state officials said that Gov. John Bel Edwards is scheduled to speak with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver this week regarding the '17 NBA All-Star Game "possibly coming to New Orleans," according to John Reid of the New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE. Sources said that New Orleans "remains the frontrunner to land the game after the NBA pulled the event" from Charlotte last week over concerns about the state's controversial House Bill 2. Edwards after the NBA's decision wrote Silver a letter noting that New Orleans "would be ready to answer the call." The "only possible sticking point is whether the necessary guarantee of hotel space for All-Star Weekend Feb. 17-19 can be achieved so close to Mardi Gras on Feb. 28" (New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE, 7/24). Meanwhile, in Boston, Dan Atkinson reported city and state officials are "driving hard" to get the '17 NBA ASG, but a "booked TD Garden apparently will block any plans" (BOSTON HERALD, 7/23). Also in Boston, Steve Bulpett wrote it is "almost certain" the city "would not be able to meet the league's logistical needs" for the game at this late date (BOSTON HERALD, 7/23).
MAKING A STAND: USA TODAY's Jeff Zillgitt noted Warriors President & COO Rick Welts, who is openly gay, two weeks ago at the NBA BOG meeting in Las Vegas "explained his meaningful and lifelong affiliation with the NBA and told league owners he didn't feel comfortable attending the All-Star Game in Charlotte if the law remained as is." Welts' message "resonated with the nearly 70 people in the ballroom" and "impacted but didn't dictate the NBA's decision to move the game to another state." No owner "spoke up and opposed relocation." Hornets Owner Michael Jordan and team President & COO Fred Whitfield also spoke at the meeting, and they "explained it was a difficult time and a divisive climate in Charlotte, and the issue wasn’t going away anytime soon." Welts added that he "has spoken to employees in the LBGT community from half of the league's teams who didn't feel comfortable attending either." Zillgitt noted Welts' words "weren't emotional, and they weren't delivered as a threat." Following the meeting, a few owners "talked, and a prevailing message emerged: If Rick Welts doesn't feel comfortable coming to the All-Star Game, the decision to relocate just got easier" (USATODAY.com, 7/23).
BIG IMPLICATIONS: In N.Y., Harvey Araton wrote in these "maddeningly polarized times, the stand taken by Silver and the league is bold and righteous." The NBA has "long been a social trendsetter." Silver came to his decision "with patience and intelligence, mindful of the NBA's deserved reputation as the country's most progressive professional sports league." However, the decision is "not without risk" (N.Y. TIMES, 7/23). ESPN.com's Ramona Shelburne noted many players "seemed genuinely torn" about the decision -- worried about the "disappointment of losing the game for Charlotte." But Silver "felt strongly that the NBA could not allow one of its signature public events to take place in a state where there are now no protections against discrimination for LGBT people." Still, the decision to relocate "came as a shock to many NBA players" (ESPN.com, 7/22).
SLIPPERY SLOPE: The N.Y. Daily News' Frank Isola said, "You’re also going down a slippery slope here if you’re the league because you’re kind of picking and choosing what issues you want to stand behind. I think most people agree with what they’re doing here, but it’s also a very slippery slope once you start going down this road” (“Around the Horn,” ESPN, 7/22). FS1's Jason Whitlock said, "I'm a little concerned about the NBA being the leader of all the progressive movement. ... There is no perfect place on this planet, and as long as they’re going to do business in China and Mexico and some other places -- and they are talking about taking this again to New Orleans, one of the most corrupt cities in America. They have to be careful here” (“Speak for Yourself,” FS1, 7/22).
RIP VAN WINKLE STATE: In Charlotte, Steve Harrison noted because of the NBA's decision, attention toward HB2 legislation "likely will heighten" around the North Carolina governor's race this fall. North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory noted that he spoke with Silver Thursday night and told him moving the game to Louisiana "doesn't make sense." McCrory said that he "told Silver that Louisiana is one of 22 states suing the federal government over the Obama administration's decision to allow transgender students to use bathroom and locker room facilities in public schools that corresponds with their gender identity" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 7/24). The CHARLOTTE OBSERVER editorial board noted the NBA has "given others a very public example to follow." The decision also "left a new, deeper dent on the N.C. brand" and "signals a new normal for North Carolina" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 7/24).
