In simple comparison to other major American sports leagues, the NBA has acquired a reputation for progressivism that, while accurate, shouldn’t be taken too far out of its context. A progressive sports league? It is quite oxymoronic when you think about it. The NFL may make the NBA seem like a paragon of social responsibility, but in general, it is the jumbo shrimp of forward-thinking.
That is not meant to minimize the laudable efforts the NBA has made to promote diversity, empower its employees to speak freely, champion gender equity and support gay rights.