Reaction to North Carolina’s controversial new law outlawing anti-discrimination measures by local governments continues to spill over into the sports world.
Two of the state’s three major pro sports teams, the Charlotte Hornets and the Carolina Hurricanes, released statements affirming their opposition to discrimination on Friday, while the state’s NFL franchise remains silent on a law reverberating around the country.
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The Carolina Panthers told The Charlotte Observer they will not comment on the law, which prohibits cities and counties from making their own anti-discrimination laws.
The law, which has been criticized for being anti-LGBT, was signed by Gov. Pat McCrory. According to the campaign finance website FollowTheMoney, Panthers majority owner Jerry Richardson and three other members of the team's ownership group — Derick S. Close, H.C. Bissell and Steve Wordsworth — are among McCrory's top donors. McCrory previously spent 14 years as mayor of Charlotte.
The Hornets find themselves especially close to the fire. Like the Panthers, the NBA franchise is located in the state’s largest city, whose anti-discrimination ordinance passed in February was the trigger for the controversial new legislation.The Charlotte Hornets have issued the following statement: pic.twitter.com/5IOzSjjncM
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) March 25, 2016
But unlike their NFL counterparts, the Hornets could lose big time as a result of the law. The franchise’s ability to host the 2017 NBA All-Star Game may also be in jeopardy as the league is closely monitoring the situation.
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"The NBA is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all who attend our games and events,” the league said in statement. “We are deeply concerned that this discriminatory law runs counter to our guiding principles of equality and mutual respect and do not yet know what impact it will have on our ability to successfully host the 2017 All-Star Game in Charlotte.”
The Hurricanes, the state’s NHL franchise, are located in the capital city of Raleigh, where the law was passed Wednesday. They said in a statement they are "devoted to providing a welcoming and respectful environment for all fans. We stand against all forms of discrimination."
North Carolina's current hottest export, NBA MVP Stephen Curry, says he hopes his hometown will still be able to host the All-Star Game next February.
"Hopefully, the right things need to happen that the All-Star Game stays in Charlotte, because that would be huge for the city … just to show what Charlotte's all about, regardless of where you fall on that law," Curry said, via MercuryNews.com . "Hopefully they can figure it out and keep it there. I think it's really important for the city of Charlotte. I'm sure we can figure it out."