The Phoenix Suns Just Lost A Bunch of Fans
Wednesday, May 5, 2010 at 11:10AM The new immigration law in Arizona has the support of 70% of the states residents, however, that didn't stop the Phoenix Suns organization from thumbing their noses at their fan base and protesting the law via their uniforms. This from CNN with FL Pundit comments in italics:
It’s not often point guards and power forwards partake in politics.
Responding to a recently passed immigration policy in Arizona, the Phoenix Suns will take the court Wednesday in jerseys bearing their name in Spanish.
Robert Sarver, owner of “Los Suns,” said his team will wear the jerseys during Game Two of its playoff matchup with the San Antonio Spurs, which falls on the Mexican holiday, Cinco de Mayo.
“We are proud that 400 players from 36 countries compete in the NBA, and the league and the Suns have always considered that to be a great strength of the NBA,” he said in a statement.
What the heck does this have to do with people entering our country illegally? Every foreign player in the NBA entered this country lawfully or they wouldn't be on the court. That comment is comparing apples to oranges and he knows it.
The move was designed, in part, to honor Phoenix’s Latino community, Sarver said.
The Suns also have a Latin-born player, guard Leandro Barbosa of Brazil. He is one of the NBA’s 18 players from Latin America. Hispanics compose about 15 percent of the NBA’s market, according to the league.
The new immigration law, which goes into effect in August, allows police in Arizona to demand proof of residency. Critics say the law encourages racial profiling. Proponents say it’s a necessary response to stem the tide of illegal immigrants flowing into the state.
Bias by omission you say? Yes indeed. Let me correct this paragraph. The new allows police in Arizona to demand proof of residency, if they have already stopped someone they believe to be involved in a criminal act. They cannot stop someone and ask for their papers on the basis that they think they may be an illegal. IT IS AGAINST THE LAW!
The Suns’ protest was roundly supported by NBA players and officials, according to an NBA report.
NBA Commissioner David Stern called said he thought the move was “appropriate.” The NBA Players Association also praised the protest as NBAPA Executive Director Billy Hunter called the immigration law “offensive and incompatible with the basic notions of fairness and equal protection.”
Has anyone else noticed that the number of communists in this country is growing exponentially by the day? "The notions of fairness and equal protection"? Go pound sand you freaking Leftist hump.
Added star point guard Steve Nash: “Obviously the passing of the recent bill and what that means to our state, to civil liberties, and the quality and precedent it’s setting, and message it sends to our youngsters in the community, we have a problem with that. It's great that our owner took the initiative and our players are behind him.”
Nice work Steve. Way to consider the trials and tribulations of your fans who plop down $150 to see you play. And by the way, the illegals aren't the people coming to your games. It's the folks you just grossly offended. Look for a significant drop in Suns attendance next season. This will not end well for that arrogant bunch of liberal idiots.
Reader Comments (11)
I think you're 100% correct Pundit. The Suns have way overplayed their hand here. The folks sitting in those stands are generally white and affluent and probably support the immigration bill at a 90% clip, not 70%.
Why are "professional" athletes taking part in *anything* like this? Obviously the "players union" is another arm of the democrat party and do not have the mental capacity to think for themselves.
You bone heads should be ashamed of yourselves and I hope the attendance at your games sinks faster than Obama's popularity .... you have turned your back on your fans and deserve nothing less.
It's comical that these morons step into the political arena on an issue their fan base stands against by a wide margin. I agree with you Pundit, there will be fall-out and a lot of it.
Not only are the Suns morons, the NBA itself would fall into that category for supporting this position. Since when does a league weigh in on something like this? It's an outrage and I hope the Suns and the NBA pay for it in sales.
Is it just me, or are sports not that much fun anymore??
It's not you Wrangler, they become tedious. Just watch how ESPN reports this story. They'll give MSNBC a run for their money.
Here's a big surprise for the Suns and the entire NBA - We *CAN* live without you.
Making your logo's spanish ... yawn. They've been English for longer than they will ever be spanish.
Your "threat" -- yawn .....
And these know it all's couldn't even get the name of their team right.
Los Suns!!?
How about Los Sols?
Good point Bruce!
If i lived within driving distance i would have brought a friend with a camera and walked up to the ticket taker and said exactly this when asked for my ticket:
"Oh you don't need to see it, trust me I have one."
When they insisted:
"So you want to see my papers to prove I have a right to be here? No need, the team owner has decided it is unconstitutional for you to ask me to provide proof of the contract we entered into."
Would have loved to pop that video on youtube.
Excellent point Coastie! As an alternative, it would have been great if you could just parked yourself in some primo reserved seats and refused to be removed by the ushers.
Free beer and hot dogs too!!