The NBA on Thursday followed through on multiple previous threats by announcing it was pulling the 2017 NBA All-Star Game out of Charlotte in opposition to House Bill 2, a law passed in March by North Carolina legislators and signed by Republican Gov. Pat McCrory that reversed a Charlotte city ordinance expanding rights and protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. The Charlotte Hornets, who were in line to play host to next winter’s midseason event, and Michael Jordan, the franchise’s chairman and majority owner who had previously made it clear that the organization is “opposed to discrimination in any form,” issued a statement saying that they “understand the NBA’s decision and the challenges around holding the NBA All-Star Game in Charlotte this season,” and “are disappointed we were unable to” keep the game in town.
Hornets co-owner rips NBA, pols for All-Star exit in wild email (Ball Don't Lie)
