The Orlando Magic made headlines a day ago for an off-court move they made. After controversial Florida politician Ron DeSantis announced his intentions to run in 2024 as president, the team made a $50,000 donation to DeSantis' camp. This came as a surprise to many: rarely do teams make a donation to a political figure. Everyone wondered what the rationale behind the donation was, including the timing.

Now, the NBPA has spoken out about the Magic's donation to Ron DeSantis. In a statement, the Player's Association called the donation alarming. The NBPA also stressed that Orlando's donation does not mean that the players support the candidate (statement from Jeff Zillgitt).

There's a reason why the NBPA is making this statement. DeSantis is a controversial political figure, making a lot of changes in his home state that have been criticized by a good chunk of the population. In fact, DeSantis took aim at Disney at one point: one of the main sponsors of the Magic. One might see this as a way for them to try to get into the governor's good graces. In addition, DeSantis was quoted as saying that “slavery was a good thing”, with Florida's new curriculum also supporting this ideology. That likely won't sit right with a team mostly composed of Black people, with a Black coach AND a Black GM.

The Magic later issued a statement saying that the donation to DeSantis' camp was done before his decision to run for president.

“NEW: From Orlando Magic on donation to Gov. DeSantis Super PAC:
“To clarify, this gift was given before Governor DeSantis entered the presidential race. It was given as a Florida business in support of a Florida governor for the continued prosperity of Central Florida.”