NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said he feels a "particular obligation to focus on the African-American community" as that demographic accounts for roughly 75% of players in the league, according to Mike Wise of THE UNDEFEATED. Silver: "I feel part of the obligation comes from the history of this league that I've inherited." Wise noted three years into his tenure, Silver has "advocated the expansion of legalized sports betting; encouraged players to speak their hearts and minds on the divide between law enforcement and the black community; and plucked" the '17 All-Star Game out of Charlotte, because of the state's HB2 law. Progressives "hail him and the NBA for its commitment to addressing difficult societal issues." But some voices complain the league is "developing more social justice warriors than proficient midrange shooters." Wise: "How many causes can one league take up before it hurts the bottom line? ... And how does it decide which causes to act on?" Silver: "We’re not looking for opportunities to jump in from a political standpoint. I think we deal with whatever set of circumstances are dealt to us." Wise noted Silver discusses "every third-rail issue with owners, players and others whose counsel he values." Silver acknowledges that "many conversations took place at the league office" after 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the National Anthem. Unlike the NFL, the NBA has a "rule about standing respectfully for the anthem." Silver: “It’s my hope that our players continue to observe that rule. Having said that, I understand there is an appropriate place for protest. I think our players also recognize that our fans are entitled to act in their own way, and that a protest from a player may result in a protest from a fan” (THEUNDEFEATED.com, 12/25).
