Historically, few leagues have done a better job of accepting and respecting the LGBTQ community than the NBA and WNBA. Both leagues have featured pioneering players and game officials. OutSports reported two years ago that about 20% of the WNBA players are openly LGBTQ. Both leagues have responded exceptionally well to this issue.
That makes what the NBA did particularly puzzling.
NBA referees are required to wear multiple patches on their uniforms supporting the Emirates. The NBA and the airlines reached an agreement in February for Emirates to serve as the official global airline of the NBA and WNBA.
On the surface, this is a standard deal the league makes all the time. But as Outsports recently reported, this is something entirely different. That's because Emirates is owned by the government of Dubai, which is part of the United Arab Emirates. Dubai may be the most anti-LGBTQ place on earth. Being gay is illegal in Dubai and the UAE.
Which two of the referees must wear patches? One is Bill Kennedy, who came out as gay 10 years ago as a way to counter anti-gay sentiment within the league. Another is Che Flores, a transgender man who recently spoke publicly about his experience.
In short, the NBA has reached this agreement with a government whose policies are hostile to many of its members.
This issue speaks to the complexity of a league like the NBA. The NBA is trying to expand the game, but in doing so it will also end up in places where the game is welcome, but not by everyone.
“The NBA's mission is to inspire and connect people everywhere through basketball, and we believe the best way to effect change through sports is through engagement,” said NBA spokesperson Mike Bass. told USA TODAY Sports. “We have an unwavering commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ rights.”
In almost every respect, this is accurate. This is the situation in most of the NBA and WNBA. But that doesn't change the simple fact. The NBA has a deal with a deeply anti-LGBTQ organization, forcing LGBTQ members to wear and promote that organization.
So what should the NBA do? First, exceptions could have been made for game officials who did not want to wear the patch. If that doesn't agree with the Emirates side, then the NBA should have told everyone involved to kick the rocks.
Overall, the NBA and WNBA need to take a deeper look at thorny issues like this one. I truly believe these leagues care about their players. This isn't the NFL where if the devil offered you a billion dollars to play in hell, you'd tell your players to wear asbestos uniforms and walk out.
The NFL is not a moral league. The NBA and WNBA are far from perfect, but they strive to be. Although they are more advanced and progressive than professional football, this is still a dilemma. Leagues want to make money, and players can benefit financially from these types of agreements, but some of these agreements come with exorbitant moral costs.
Should the NBA refuse to extend this and other types of hatred to places where it exists? The answer is, of course, “yes.” The answer isn't that simple either.
Evil people and governments exist everywhere. Look at the US. Should the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury transfer their franchises after the state's highest court enacted a near-total abortion ban that could result in harm or death to women?
The NAACP has issued a travel warning for the state of Florida, which reads in part: “Please be aware that the state of Florida is openly hostile to African Americans, people of color, and LGBTQ+ people. “Before you travel to Florida, please understand that Florida values are being disrespected.” and downplays the contributions of African Americans and other minorities and the challenges they face. ” Should the Miami Heat leave the state?
The Supreme Court's decision allows the state of Idaho to ban gender-affirming care for minors. This never happened in the Middle East. It happened here.
The NBA is trying to get through all of this while also trying to make money. But in pursuing that, the league must be careful not to betray its values.
Betraying the very people who make up the League.
