'Alarming': NBPA distances Orlando Magic players from donation to Ron DeSantis' PAC

The National Basketball Players Association is distancing the players of the Orlando Magic from a political donation the franchise made to the political action committee that supports the presidential campaign of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

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

The Magic's donation was received June 26, according to records filed to the Federal Election Commission. The team initially emailed a statement to USA TODAY Sports Wednesday afternoon, indicating that they "don’t publicly comment on political contributions." Hours later, however, a spokesperson sent an update, saying the check was dated and delivered May 19.

"To clarify, this gift was given before Governor DeSantis entered the presidential race," the spokesperson said in the follow-up statement. "It was given as a Florida business in support of a Florida governor for the continued prosperity of Central Florida."

DeSantis formally announced his presidential campaign May 24, a few days after the organization's donation; as of May 18, however, it had become clear that DeSantis was preparing to file paperwork to the FEC to launch his campaign.

DeSantis has faced widespread backlash, even from those in the Republican party, for his administration's approval July 19 of a new curriculum for African American history in Florida that includes instruction on "how slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit."

Critics have said the new curriculum fails to address the abject realities of slavery.

The Magic have been owned by the DeVos family since September 1991, with Dan DeVos currently serving as the franchise's chairman and representative on the NBA's board of governors.

Research by USA TODAY Sports showed that Dan DeVos made $1.2 million in political donations from Jan. 1, 2019, to Sept. 20, 2020, one of the highest totals of any pro sports owner over that time.