CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The NBA confirmed that it is pulling the 2017 All-Star Game out of Charlotte.
The All-Star Game has been on the line ever since legislators enacted House Bill 2, a law that requires individuals to use the restroom of the gender on their birth certificate.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver had threatened to move the All-Star Weekend out of Charlotte unless House Bill 2 was changed. Silver said a law that limits anti-discrimination protections for lesbian, gay and transgender people was “problematic” for the league. Owners discussed the law during their two-day meetings and that the league wants to be involved in helping protecting those it discriminates against. At the time, no decision was made on whether or not to move the game.
That has changed.
Officials say the NBA is focused on the New Orleans’ Smoothie King Center as the host for All-Star Weekend and the All-Star Game on February 19th. A formal announcement on the NBA’s withdrawal out of Charlotte is expected as soon as this week, sources said Thursday.
NBA STATEMENT:
“The NBA has decided to relocate the 2017 All-Star Game from Charlotte with the hope of rescheduling for 2019.”
“Since March, when North Carolina enacted HB2 and the issue of legal protections for the LGBT community in Charlotte became prominent, the NBA and the Charlotte Hornets have been working diligently to foster constructive dialogue and try to effect positive change. We have been guided in these discussions by the long-standing core values of our league. These include not only diversity, inclusion, fairness and respect for others but also the willingness to listen and consider opposing points of view.”
“Our week-long schedule of All-Star events and activities is intended to be a global celebration of basketball, our league, and the values for which we stand, and to bring together all members of the NBA community – current and former players, league and team officials, business partners, and fans. While we recognize that the NBA cannot choose the law in every city, state, and country in which we do business, we do not believe we can successfully host our All-Star festivities in Charlotte in the climate created by HB2.”
“We are particularly mindful of the impact of this decision on our fans in North Carolina, who are among the most passionate in our league. It is also important to stress that the City of Charlotte and the Hornets organization have sought to provide an inclusive environment and that the Hornets will continue to ensure that all patrons – including members of the LGBT community – feel welcome while attending games and events in their arena.”
“We look forward to re-starting plans for our All-Star festivities in Charlotte for 2019 provided there is an appropriate resolution to this matter.”
The NBA will make an announcement on the new location of the 2017 NBA All-Star Game in the coming weeks.”
CHARLOTTE HORNETS STATEMENT:
“We understand the NBA’s decision and the challenges around holding the NBA All-Star Game in Charlotte this season. There was an exhaustive effort from all parties to keep the event in Charlotte, and we are disappointed we were unable to do so.”
“With that said, we are pleased that the NBA opened the door for Charlotte to host All-Star Weekend again as soon as an opportunity was available in 2019. We want to thank the City of Charlotte and the business community for their backing throughout this entire process, starting with the initial bid. We are confident that they will be just as supportive and enthusiastic for the 2019 NBA All-Star Game.”
MAYOR ROBERTS’ STATEMENT:
“I am deeply disappointed that the discriminatory actions reflected in HB2 have caused the NBA to move the 2017 All-Star Game from Charlotte. All-Star weekend would have provided an excellent opportunity to further showcase our great and welcoming city. Charlotte has shown its commitment to equal rights and inclusion and will continue to promote those values.”
“I am encouraged that Charlotte has the opportunity to host the game in 2019 if changes to HB2 are made and I encourage the state to take action as soon as possible. I appreciate the NBA and our Charlotte Hornets being such strong champions of equality.”
GOVERNOR MCCRORY’S STATEMENT:
“The sports and entertainment elite, Attorney General Roy Cooper and the liberal media have for months misrepresented our laws and maligned the people of North Carolina simply because most people believe boys and girls should be able to use school bathrooms, locker rooms and showers without the opposite sex present.
“Twenty-one other states have joined North Carolina to challenge the federal overreach by the Obama administration mandating their bathroom policies in all businesses and schools instead of allowing accommodations for unique circumstances. Left-wing special interest groups have no moral authority to try and intimidate the large majority of American parents who agree in common-sense bathroom and shower privacy for our children.
“American families should be on notice that the selective corporate elite are imposing their political will on communities on which they do business in, thus bypassing the democratic and legal process.”
NC SENATE BERGER’S STATEMENT:
“The need for HB2 became crystal clear earlier this month, just steps away from the NBA arena in Charlotte, when a grown man engaged in sexual activity in a women’s public bathroom – which, if Jennifer Roberts and Roy Cooper had their way, he could have argued was legal by simply claiming he felt like being in the women’s bathroom. Lawmakers had several positive conversations with the NBA attempting to find common ground while keeping grown men out of bathrooms and shower facilities with women and young girls, but unfortunately the NBA withdrew from those discussions. Ultimately, the suggestion that state leaders should abandon our moral obligation to protect our constituents in order to keep one exhibition basketball game is absurd and shows a clear contrast in values.”
CONGRESSMAN PITTENGER’S STATEMENT:
“Last week, I met with constituents from China who outlined the Chinese government practice of forcefully harvesting vital organs as part of their oppression of religious minorities. Meanwhile, the NBA will start selling tickets for preseason games in China next week. Is the NBA implying China’s abhorrent violation of basic human rights is acceptable, but North Carolina saying men shouldn’t use the girls’ locker room is a bridge too far? What is the NBA’s true priority? The unmistakable hypocrisy is clear to me. You be your own judge.”
CHARLOTTE CHAMBER’S STATEMENT:
“Charlotte has been and will continue to be a city that embraces and promotes diversity, inclusiveness and equality. We oppose discrimination in all forms. We are disappointed that the NBA All-Star Game is being moved elsewhere but appreciative of the league’s willingness to continue to consider Charlotte for the 2019 All-Star Game.
“We will continue working with local, state and federal representatives to pursue policy solutions that uphold fairness and equality for everyone. We will continue to work to ensure that Charlotte continues to be on open, welcoming and safe city for all people, including members of the LGBT community.”
CIAA STATEMENT:
“The CIAA strongly disagrees with House Bill 2 and does not support any form of discrimination. We are committed to our Charlotte community and have no intentions to relocate our headquarters or the upcoming Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament. As we assess current and future championship locations, the CIAA will ensure that the host city and venue demonstrate a commitment to provide inclusive and non-discriminatory practices. In addition, the Conference will continue to collaborate with organizations and its member institutions to educate, implement, and tell a story that will leave a lasting impact and establish change in our communities.
“The CIAA’s decision to continue to host championships in North Carolina, where 8 of our 12 member institutions reside, and hold its headquarters in Charlotte is a decision made for the best interest of the Conference. We have a shared responsibility to work together as members of this community for the safety and well-being of our student-athletes, fans, and alumni.”
