As Senate Bill 1070 makes its way across Arizona, leaving behind nothing but scorched earth and the fresh pine scent of a thoroughly-scrubbed border region, residents of that state are lining up behind their respective barricades. On one side you have the people in favor of the new anti-illegal immigration law, who say that it’s not racist at all. On the other you have those who say that it is indeed a racist policy. Guess where the Phoenix Suns stand? The jersey here to the right, which the Suns will be wearing Wednesday night in Game 2 of their Western Conference Playoff Series against the San Antonio Spurs, should give you an indication. I’m not going to try and guess the true intent of the Suns organization, but one thing is undeniable: alienating the Latino community is not exactly good for business.
Statement by Suns Managing Partner Robert Sarver following the jump.
“Our players and organization felt that wearing our “Los Suns” jerseys on Cinco de Mayo was a way for our team and our organization to honor our Latino community and the diversity of our league, the State of Arizona, and our nation. We are proud that 400 players from 36 countries compete in the NBA, and the league and the Suns have always considered that to be a great strength of the NBA.”
“The frustration with the federal government’s failure to deal with the issue of illegal immigration resulted in passage of a flawed state law. However intended, the result of passing this law is that our basic principles of equal rights and protection under the law are being called into question, and Arizona’s already struggling economy will suffer even further setbacks at a time when the state can ill-afford them.”
This isn’t like the SF Giants rocking the “Gigantes” jerseys during a July series with the Pirates. This is the playoffs. Big, big statement here.
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SUNS to Wear “Los Suns” Jerseys on Cinco de Mayo [Deep Purple]
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- ANN - May 5, 2010 at 4:09 PM
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I think they should be automatically disqualified for not wearing “official” NBA jerseys and take the loss. The sports field is NOT the place for political statements. I say this and I’m not a sports fan in any sense of the word. This is not the arena to “honor the Latino community”. How about equal rights for everyone else? “Honor the Asians, blacks, American Indians, Irish, Polish, etc. Day”? Shame on the owners!
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- Stephen - May 5, 2010 at 5:23 PM
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Shame on you, Suns. This is not about the Latino community, not about immigration. It is about ILLEGAL immigration. If you want to prtoest against racial issues. Protest against La raza. La Raza means The RACE. Wake up. We are a counrty of laws. The existing law prohibits the free flow of immigants into this country without permission. You talk of not wanting to show papers. Have any of you been pulled over for a traffic violation AND NOT BEEN ASKED FOR YOUR PAPERS? Get real. Sports, whether professional or otherwise, should not get involved in political issues. One day you may wake up and find you are on the wrong side of an issue because of your desire to be artificailly politically correct. I welcome all immigrants into the United States that come here legally with the intent of making this country a better place. Just as I do not want someone coming into my home without invitation I don’t want immigants coming into my country with an invitation.
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- NickLA - May 5, 2010 at 5:47 PM
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As a laker fan, i had wanted to face the easier suns in the final instead of the tougher spurs.
but now i change my stance, never thought i’d say this but Go spurs !!!
team america (spurs) vs team Mexico (suns)
don’t dare put all the good latinos is the same boat. this is about mexicans putting their will on america any way they want.
the poor colombians, argentinians, ecuadorians etc noone cares about them. of all the good countries in latin america, we had to border mexico-the most violent place on earth. we are trully cursed.
