NBA Rumors: All-Star Game in North Carolina Pushed Through Despite Controversial LGBT Issue

By Jenn Loro - 17 Apr '16 07:51AM

Amid growing opposition to holding the 2017 All-Star Game out of Charlotte, North Carolina due to a controversial anti-LGBT "bathroom law" by the state, NBA top brass are saying the games will remain despite initial statements on a possible move-out unless the law is repealed.

The highly controversial state-wide law was enacted following Charlotte's ordinance that mandates North Carolina residents to use the toilet corresponding to the gender identity documented on their birth certificate.

When the law was eventually signed into law by Governor Pat McCrory after an unusual 12-hour session weeks ago, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed the overall sentiment of the league as if to suggest that it might entertain the possibility of the moving the All-Start game elsewhere.

The NBA twitter statement mentioned that the league was "deeply concerned that this discriminatory law runs counter to our guiding principles of equality and mutual respect and do not know what impact it will have on our ability to successfully host the 2017 All-Star game in Charlotte," as quoted by CNN Money.

However, NBA quickly issued a statement to clarify Silver's remarks that some pundits find quite contradictory.

"At no time did Adam affirm that the league would not move the All-Star Game; rather he stressed repeatedly that the legislation is problematic, that we feel it is best to engage with the community to work towards a solution, that change is needed and we are hopeful that it will occur," said league executive vice president Mike Bass as quoted by Fortune Magazine.

In his defense, Silver said that he's talking with North Carolina officials over the issue but felt uneasy of pulling around its economic weight on the State to protest the law.

"I think the right way to work to the proper resolution here is for the league to remain engaged in the conversation rather than setting ultimatums," he said as mentioned by Wall Street Journal.

The All-Star Game 2017 is a three-day league-wide convention that includes contests showcasing young talent both from NBA and WNBA which ends with a highlight game on February 19.