The 2017 NBA All-Star Game is on the verge of finding a new home.
According to a report by Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical on Thursday, the league is on the brink of pulling this year’s All-Star festivities out of Charlotte, North Carolina. The reason is due to the state’s failure to reform its controversial transgender bathroom law, which has been called discriminatory against the local LGBT community. The city of New Orleans, Louisiana is said to be the new front-runner to take on hosting duties.
Sources: NBA on brink of pulling 2017 All-Star Game out of Charlotte, with New Orleans emerging as a front-runner to host Feb. 19 game.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) July 21, 2016
Failure of North Carolina to change discriminatory legislation targeting the state’s LGBT community pushing NBA to abandon Charlotte game.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) July 21, 2016
The NBA had been threatening to move the All-Star Game since April, shortly after the law went into effect in North Carolina. One highly promiment basketball figure (who, incidentally, is from the area) has also publicly expressed his deep displeasure with the law.
New Orleans hosted the All-Star Game both in 2008 and in 2014. But a statement needs to be made, and it definitely looks like the right call for the league to go ahead and make it.
Image Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
