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In a letter to two senators who accused the NBA of "putting profit over principle" for partnering with Rwandan dictator Paul Kagame, deputy commissioner Mark Tatum described how the league has championed several social impact initiatives in the country. Tatum also defended the NBA, as he did in an ESPN story that prompted Congressional interest, by noting the league follows "the lead of the U.S. government as to where it's appropriate to engage in business around the world." "If American policies were to change regarding business activities in and relating to Rwanda or any other BAL market, our actions would of course change accordingly," Tatum said in the letter.
The NFL and NBA see positives and negatives in a federal sports betting bill introduced in Congress last week that includes advertising restrictions and prohibitions on live wagering, according to sources familiar with the leagues' positions. The Supporting Affordability and Fairness with Every Bet Act -- or SAFE Bet Act -- would prohibit sportsbook advertising from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and during live sports broadcasts. It would also ban bets on individual college athletes and in-game wagers on professional or college sports, something the NCAA has been lobbying for in states.
In response to questions about its business practices in China, the NBA informed a Congressional committee that it prohibits the use of forced labor in the making of its licensed apparel, while noting that the league doesn't control individual players' contracts with shoe companies. The NBA also wrote, in a letter sent Tuesday, that it "condemns human rights violations anywhere" and adheres to U.S. State Department guidelines in doing business in China.
The Congressional committee had also called on Silver to meet with various groups to "learn about the sad reality of genocide." In its response Tuesday, signed by NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum, the NBA didn't address whether Silver had met with any such groups, but it said it was "mindful of the circumstances in the countries where we operate." The league added, "We recognize that there are individuals and organizations who may, through first-hand experience or otherwise, have different views on matters relating to China." Tatum also wrote that the NBA does not control what players or league and team personnel can say about China and added that anyone connected to the "NBA family" is free to speak their mind. "Any assertion to the contrary is not accurate," Tatum wrote.
Former NBA star Enes Kanter Freedom is looking to pursue a whole new career path in the not too distant future. There's been an appetite from lawmakers for Freedom, who had been an outspoken critic of China in recent years, to run for Congress, something he tells Fox News Digital in an interview he "will" do, just not in the current election cycle. "I want to run in a state where they cherish and cares about freedom the most, you know, and also where there is a lot of sunshine and beach," Freedom chuckled. "I will say it's a little too early for me to run because right now, unfortunately, our country is so divided. Once you get into politics, you lose 50% of the people. So when the time is right, I'm definitely thinking about it- maybe [20]26 or [20]28, more likely 28."
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That said, Golden State guard Stephen Curry’s still has a clear message: All elections, including Tuesday’s that will decide control of Congress, very much matter. “I think the message has been broadcast loud and clear for a decade now in terms of how important these moments are,” Curry said. “Athletes can leverage their platforms to different politicians, different communities that are important to them, different causes, and that’s happening.” Curry’s 17 million Twitter followers have seen him post multiple times in recent weeks about voting — “our future is on the ballot,” he said. He also promoted a summit for young voters in California.
Former first-round pick Royce White running for Congress
Another name has jumped into the ring in an attempt to oust incumbent Rep. Ilhan Omar. Royce White, a former Gophers basketball player and current MMA athlete, launched his bid for a U.S. Congress seat Tuesday.
As the U.S. and other countries grow more vocal in denouncing China's actions in Xinjiang, Congress has repeatedly called upon NBA stars to drop their deals. Those stars include Wade, who initially signed a 10-year, $75 million contract with Li-Ning in 2012 that was later converted into a lifetime agreement in 2018, ahead of Wade's final season. Warriors sharpshooter Klay Thompson signed with Anta Sports in 2014 and re-upped in 2017 on a reported 10-year, $80 million deal. Trail Blazers guard and players' association president CJ McCollum left Nike in 2017 for a richer, five-year agreement with Li-Ning, while the Hornets' Gordon Hayward joined Anta in 2018 on a four-year deal. In 2020, Warriors swingman Andrew Wiggins struck a multiyear deal with Peak, and Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon agreed to a contract with 361 Degrees, making him what the company called "the new face" of its basketball division.
As the fight for voting rights stalls in Congress, the NBA Social Justice Coalition continues its call for lawmakers to act urgently to protect the right to vote. The NBA Social Justice Coalition was formed in 2020, after the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake. The group, which includes players, owners and staffers, has advocated for policy changes regarding voting rights, criminal justice, policing and justice reform, by reaching out to lawmakers in targeted efforts in Congress and state and local legislatures.
U.S. Rep. Michelle Steel of Orange County is asking Congress to designate Aug. 24 as “Kobe Bryant Day.” The Republican congresswoman introduced legislation to honor the late basketball legend, who died in a helicopter crash in January last year, along with his daughter and seven others. Aug. 24 was chosen to pay tribute to the two jersey numbers — 8 and 24 — that Bryant wore during his 20-season career.
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Asked over email about why he thought the league had ceased its Congressional lobbying, Donatelli, who left McGuireWoods in 2018, pleaded ignorance. “I have not done lobbying for the league for a number of years now, so I can only confirm what you already know but not sure I can share any light on the why,” wrote Donatelli, a former Republican official who also once represented the Washington NFL team. McGuireWoods formally reported the termination of its relationship with the NBA at the end of 2019, although the firm had not shown any client activity for several years by then.
A group of CEOs and top business executives are pressing Congress to certify President-elect Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 election. Top executives from companies such as Microsoft, Pfizer, the National Basketball Association, Lyft, Etsy, American Express, Mastercard and Conde Nast are part of the effort as a group of Republican senators plan on objecting to Biden’s Electoral College win.
Hell hath no fury like James Dolan scorned. The controversial Knicks boss is pouring cash into the effort to help GOP Congressional candidate Nicole Malliotakis beat incumbent Democratic Staten Island Rep. Max Rose — all because Rose recently trash-talked his ownership of the perennially losing New York Knicks.
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