Pelicans' Larry Nance Jr. criticizes Magic over donation to pro-DeSantis group

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Larry Nance Jr. needled the Orlando Magic for the organization’s apparent donation to a super PAC that supports Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ bid for president.

The Orlando Magic LTD donated $50,000 to Never Back Down Inc., which describes itself as a "grassroots movement to elect Governor Ron DeSantis for President in 2024." 

The Federal Election Commission had the "receipt date" listed as June 26. A Magic spokesperson clarified that check was dated and delivered on May 19. DeSantis announced his intention to run for president on May 24.

"So the @OrlandoMagic who have a majority black roster, a black head coach, and a black GM decided it was a good idea to support a man that claims that slavery had personal benefits for the enslaved?" Nance wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Orlando Magic LTD donated $25,000 to DeSantis in 2022 and Democratic Florida State Sen. Geraldine Thompson in 2020, according to OpenSecrets.org. Dan DeVos is the chairman of RDV Sports, which owns the Magic. The founding partners of the organization, the late Rich and Helen DeVos, were the in-laws of former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, who served under President Trump. 

A spokesman for the Magic told USA Today the team doesn’t "publicly comment on political contributions."

New Orleans Pelicans forward Larry Nance Jr. (22) reacts during a stop in play against the LA Clippers during the second half at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans April 1, 2023. (Stephen Lew/USA Today Sports)

The Magic made the clarification later Wednesday.

"To clarify, this gift was given before