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I imagine the big demonstrations on May 1st and in previous weeks in Arizona had an impact on this decision. http://www.nba.com/2010/news/05/04/los.sons/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt1 Phoenix to wear Los Suns jerseys, bringing politics to court By Art Garcia, NBA.com Posted May 4 2010 6:01PM - Updated May 4 2010 7:28PM PHOENIX -- The basketball court is rarely if ever the site of a political statement, much less during an NBA playoff game. Politics are going to be center court Wednesday night. The Suns are taking aim at Arizona's controversial new immigration law during the Western Conference semifinals. Phoenix owner Robert Sarver is outfitting his team in "Los Suns" uniforms for Game 2 against San Antonio. The game also happens to fall on Cinco de Mayo, a traditional holiday celebrating Mexican heritage and culture. Sarver is also using the high-profile platform to voice the organization's frustration with the nation's toughest law on immigration. The act, signed into law in late April, is designed to identify, prosecute and deport illegal immigrants. Critics contend that it will lead to racial profiling. A number of boycotts and protests in Arizona are in the works. "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," Sarver said in a statement released by the team. "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." Phoenix players backed Sarver's decision to wear the alternate jerseys. So did the Spurs organization. The NBA signed also signed off on the Suns' move. Full at: http://www.nba.com/2010/news/05/04/los.sons/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt1 ________________________________________________ Send list submissions to: [email protected] Set your options at: http://lists.econ.utah.edu/mailman/options/marxism/archive%40mail-archive.com
