Phoenix Suns to Wear Jerseys That “Honor the Latino Community,” Denounce New Arizona Law

America's Voice Blog

Posted 05/05/10 at 02:39pm

The Phoenix Suns, who have made it to Game 2 against the San Antonio Spurs, are making a strong political statement by sporting basketball jerseys that will read "Los Sons" to “honor the Latino community and the diversity of our league, the state of Arizona, and our nation."

The jerseys are, according to J.A. Adande at ESPN, usually worn for the "Noche Latina" program, which is one recognizing "the NBA’s fans and players from across Latin America and U.S. Hispanic communities." The program was first launched during the 2006 – 2007 season, and was an initiative, as described on the NBA website, that would celebrate "the NBA’s unique and dynamic fan base with a focus on our Spanish-speaking communities."

According to John Amato at Crooks and Liars, the decision to wear the jerseys was left to the players (though suggested to them by Robert Sarver, the team’s owner), and was also fully supported by the team they will be facing tonight, the San Antonio Spurs. Steve Nash, Phoenix guard, had this to say about the Arizona law in the locker room following practice last night:

"I think the law is very misguided. I think it is unfortunately to the detriment to our society and our civil liberties and I think it is very important for us to stand up for things we believe in," Nash said of the bill. "I think the law obviously can target opportunities for racial profiling. Things we don't want to see and don't need to see in 2010."

Furthermore, the NBA Players Association issued a statement criticizing the controversial SB 1070 law, and also commended the Suns for their action:

"We applaud the actions of Phoenix Suns players and management and join them in taking a stand against the misguided efforts of Arizona lawmakers," the NBAPA said. "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."

Even former Phoenix Suns forward Charles Barkley spoke out against Arizona's controversial profiling law today:

As a black person, I’m always against any form of discrimination or racial profiling. I really respect Adrian Gonzalez for coming out and saying something… Living in Arizona, I’m disappointed that we came up with the law. … I’m very disappointed in John McCain. He used to be somebody I really admired and respected. … [M]ost of those immigrants here are busting their hump, doing a great job, and to go after them every couple years because you want to raise hell doing something to get re-elected, that’s disrespectful and disgusting.

Kudos to "Los Suns" and the NBA Players Association for taking a strong stand against this outrageous law.