2023-08-07 16:49:41
A political donation is currently causing a lot of excitement in the USA. The NBA franchise Orlando Magic has donated nearly $50,000 to a fund to support controversial Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in his presidential campaign.
According to the Federal Election Commission, which is responsible for campaign contributions, Magic’s donation to the fund was received on June 26, following DeSanti’s candidacy for president was announced.
The Magic itself initially did not want to take a clear position on the donation. A first press release only said: “We do not comment publicly on political contributions.”
Everything regarding the NBA on SPORT1.de
After numerous queries, the team from Orlando at least explained themselves to a limited extent and admitted that there had been a donation. However, the check was “delivered on May 19,” five days before DeSantis announced his candidacy for the presidency.
“The donation was made before Governor DeSantis entered the presidential race. The donation was intended to support Florida’s economy and contribute to the continued prosperity of Central Florida,” the statement said. The donation was therefore not explicitly intended for the presidential election campaign of the controversial DeSantis.
Donation raises questions regarding Magic values
However, if you look at the homepage of the fund to which the donation went, it is very clear that this fund is dedicated to supporting the DeSantis presidential campaign.
The text reads: “Grassroots movement to elect Governor Ron DeSantis to the presidency in 2024.”
It remains unclear what the donations were intended for. Incidentally, it was not the first political donation by the team of German internationals Moritz and Franz Wagner. The Magic already transferred money to funds in 2000, 2014 and 2016, but the amounts were significantly lower at a maximum of $2,000.
It also remains unclear why such a large donation was made. The fact that the arch-conservative DeSantis is being supported with an enormous sum now raises the question of what values the Orlando Magic stand for.
In any case, there is already a fair amount of criticism on social media, precisely because the Magic themselves have been all year “supporting diversity, justice and inclusion” – and now financially supporting a man who wants to introduce laws, the minorities, including the LGBTQ+ community.
Players’ union criticizes donation: “Alarming”
In addition to the NBA fans, the NBA players’ union also massively criticized the Magic donation. “A political contribution by the Orlando Magic is alarming given the beneficiary’s recent comments and actions,” the statement said.
Of course, all NBA officials, players and coaches have the right to express their personal opinions and political views, including through donations.
“However, when contributions are made on behalf of an entire team, using money earned through the work of employees, it is up to those responsible to consider the different values and perspectives of employees and players.”
Magic’s donation must be clearly separated from the players. “None of the players are actively supporting the recipient of the donation.”
How those responsible at Magic actually feel regarding the recipient of their donation remains just as open at the current time as who is actually responsible for the donation. A damage to the image of many NBA fans already seems certain.
1691464520
#Highly #explosive #flow #money #lot #turbulence
