NBPA

James Harden’s $100K Fine Leads To NBPA Grievance

by

The NBPA has announced that they will file a grievance in response to the league handing James Harden a $100,000 fine. The disgruntled Sixer was given the massive penalty following investigations into comments he made last week. Specifically, the league looked into comments in which he called Sixers GM Daryl Morey a “liar”. Harden’s comments came after Morey announced that the Sixers were ending trade talks about Harden. Additionally, the team said they expected him to play out his one-year player option in Philly.

“We respectfully disagree with the league’s decision to discipline James Harden for recent comments he made, which we believe do not violate the rule against public trade demands,” the NBPA said Tuesday night. “We intend to file a grievance and have the matter heard by our Arbitrator.” The NBA had fined Harden they claimed that his comments were an indication that “he would not perform the services called for under his player contract unless traded to another team.” The league firmed up its stance on public player holdouts earlier this year. The decision came after the agent of Damian Lillard reportedly told teams they should not trade for the Trail Blazers star.

Read More: James Harden calls Sixers relationship “beyond repair”

Harden Saga Drags On

With the NBPA filing a grievance, the case will now be heard by an independent arbiter. This individual will determine if the NBA did in fact act unfairly toward Harden in regards to the levying of his fine. That hearing will be announced at a later date. As for now, the next big obstacle for Harden and the Sixers will be training camp. Harden has not said that he will sit out camp. However, the Sixers risk adding a disruptive force to the proceedings. It has definitely been a baptism of fire for new head coach Nick Nurse.

However, the Sixers need Harden at 100% this year. They did very little in the offseason, only adding Patrick Beverley and Mo Bamba as depth pieces. The team very quickly loses its contender status if Harden doesn’t player, or doesn’t play his best basketball. Regardless of how the arbitration plays out, we are far from done with the James Harden saga before the season begins. The Sixers are set to open the 2023-24 campaign against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Read More: Kyrie calls out Woj over his Harden reporting

[via]

The post James Harden’s $100K Fine Leads To NBPA Grievance appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

NPBA Calls The Orlando Magic’s Donation To Ron DeSantis “Alarming”

by

Quarterly fundraising disclosures in the 2024 Presidential election revealed that back in June, the Orlando Magic gave $50,000 to the campaign of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The move is unsurprising, given that the Magic is owned by the DeVos, longtime and deep-pocketed Republicans. Betsy DeVos, the sister-in-law of current Magic chairman Dan DeVos, served as President Trump’s Secretary of Education.

When asked by the New York Times, a spokesperson for the Magic confirmed the donation. Furthermore, they stated that it “was given as a Florida business in support of a Florida governor for the continued prosperity of Central Florida.” DeSantis, who has struggled to find national traction with his brand of hardline anti-woke rhetoric, has served as the state’s governor since 2018. While many of his anti-woke stunts have grabbed the national spotlight, his own going battle with Disney is one of the best remembered. Ironically, Disney is the main sponsor of the Magic.

Read More: Joe Biden reviews Oppenheimer after vacation screening

NPBA Weighs In On Magic Donation

After this quarter’s disclosures were made and the Magic’s donation revealed, the NBPA felt compelled to release 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 player support for the recipient.”

It’s not the first time in basketball history that players have directly opposed their team owners. In 2020, members of the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream stood in opposition with one of the team’s owners, then-Senator Kelly Loeffler. Loeffler, a Republican, was a major Trump ally and had blasted the WNBA for kneeling during the national anthem. In response, members of the Dream actively worked for the election campaign of Loeffler’s opponent, Reverend Raphael Warnock. It remains to be seen if there will be a similar reaction to this brazen move by the Magic.

[via]

The post NPBA Calls The Orlando Magic’s Donation To Ron DeSantis “Alarming” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.