NBA Commissioner Adam Silver last night defended the league holding an All-Star Game next month, saying holding the event was something for long-time fans. He said, “All-Star is the number one fan engagement event of the entire season for the league. It’s been a 70-year tradition. … All-Star is part of our league, no different than the games that we play.” The league has been criticized by some, including All-Star Game starters LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo, for holding an event that could increase the possibility of spreading COVID-19, but Silver said, “Nothing comes without controversy during a pandemic.”
TNT’s Kenny Smith asked Silver why Atlanta was picked as the site of the All-Star Game, and Silver admitted it was “largely because that’s where Turner Sports is based.” TNT will air the March 7 event. Smith’s inquiry was quickly panned by TNT’s Charles Barkley, who called it a “dumb question.” Barkley: “It’s our event. They will have to travel less people. They’re not worried (about) the players, they’re worried about Turner Sports.” Smith replied, “That’s dumb to me. That would be dumb if you’re not worried about the players” (“Tip-Off,” TNT, 2/18).
