Ron DeSantis fires back at the NBA after criticism of Orlando Magic’s $50,000 donation to him

By Jack Bezants For Dailymail.Com

Updated: 19:56 BST, 4 August 2023

US presidential candidate Ron DeSantis has hit back at criticism of Orlando Magic after the NBA team were slated for donating $50,000 to his campaign.

The NBPA – the players’ union – called the move ‘alarming while New Orleans Pelicans star Larry Nance Jr. publicly ripped the team on Twitter.

But on Friday, DeSantis used his own account to hit back.

‘It appears the NBA took a break from protesting our anthem and bending the knee to Communist China to chirp about my policies,’ he wrote. 

The Magic denied the money was for his White House campaign, saying: ‘To clarify, this gift was given before Governor DeSantis entered the presidential race. 

‘It was given as a Florida business in support of a Florida governor for the continued prosperity of Central Florida.’

Nance Jr had said on Twitter: ‘So the Orlando Magic, who have a majority black roster, a black head coach, and a black GM decided it was a good idea to support a man that claims that slavery had personal benefits for the enslaved?’

The NBPA, meanwhile, had said in a statement: ‘A political contribution from the Orlando Magic is alarming given recent comments and policies of its beneficiary. 

‘NBA governors, players and personnel have the right to express their personal political views, including through donations and statements. 

‘However, if contributions are made on behalf of an entire team, using money earned through the labor of its employees, it is incumbent upon the team governors to consider the diverse values and perspectives of staff and players.

‘The Magic’s donation does not represent player support for the recipient.’

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