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By Trey
Kerby 
In general, people in the sports world keep their
political leanings to themselves. Sure, there are a few guys who
regularly speak out on political issues, but for the most part that's
considered bad business.
As Michael
Jordan put it, "Republicans buy shoes
too." That's why what the Phoenix Suns are doing is so amazing.
The decision to wear the jerseys came from way up
the corporate ladder, as team owner Robert Sarver suggested the team
wear their Noche Latina alternates.
Sarver, who was born and raised in Tucson, said
frustration with the federal government's failure to deal with the
illegal immigration issue led to the passage of what he called "a flawed
state law."
"However intended, the result of passing the law is
that our basic principles of equal rights and protection under the law
are being called into question," he said, "and Arizona's already
struggling economy will suffer even further setbacks at a time when the
state can ill-afford them."
The
Suns voted on the jerseys and unanimously
decided to wear them for Cinco De Mayo. As if he weren't likeable
enough, Phoenix guard Steve Nash(notes) succinctly summed up the Suns'
feelings on the issue.
"I think it's fantastic," Nash said after Tuesday's
practice. "I think the law is very misguided. I think it's,
unfortunately, to the detriment of our society and our civil liberties. I
think it's very important for us to stand up for things we believe in.
As a team and as an organization, we have a lot of love and support for
all of our fans. The league is very multicultural. We have players from
all over the world, and our Latino community here is very strong and
important to us."
And it's not just the Suns who are speaking out on
this issue.
Spurs coach
Gregg Popovich is on board, and the
team even tried to get their "Los Spurs" jerseys, though it was too late
to do so. When asked for approval to wear the jerseys, the NBA "was all
for it," said Suns general manager Steve Kerr. Furthermore, NBA Players
Association executive director Billy Hunter issued a press
release,
denouncing the law.
"The recent passage of the new immigration law in
Arizona is disappointing and disturbing. The National Basketball Players
Association strongly supports the repeal or immediate modification of
this legislation. Any attempt to encourage, tolerate or legalize racial
profiling is offensive and incompatible with basic notions of fairness
and equal protection. A law that unfairly targets one group is
ultimately a threat to all.
We applaud the actions of Phoenix Suns players and
management and join them in taking a stand against the misguided efforts
of Arizona lawmakers. We are consulting with our members and our player
leadership to determine the most effective way for our union to
continue to voice our opposition to this legislation." | 
