Ron DeSantis fires back after NBPA calls Orlando Magic's political contribution 'alarming'

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Florida governor and Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis responded Friday after the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) issued a statement regarding a political contribution by the Orlando Magic organization. 

The NBPA’s statement came after 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 Orlando Magic logo is pictured on a uniform against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on December 28, 2022, in Detroit, Michigan.  (Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

"It appears the NBA took a break from protesting our anthem and bending the knee to Communist China to chirp about my policies," DeSantis said in a quote tweet of the NBPA’s statement. 

NBA PLAYERS UNION CALLS ORLANDO MAGIC'S POLITICAL CONTRIBUTION 'ALARMING'

The NBPA is the union for current professional basketball players in the NBA. 

The players union called Orlando’s political contribution "alarming" in a Thursday press release. 

"A political contribution from the Orlando Magic is alarming given recent comments and policies of its beneficiary," the NBPA said.

"NBA governors, players and personnel have the right to express their personal political views, including through donations and statements. However, if contributions are made on behalf of an entire team, using money earned through the labor of its employees, it is incumbent upon the team governors to consider the diverse values and perspectives of staff and players.

"The Magic’s donation does not represent player support for the recipient."

A generic basketball photo of the Official