By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The NBA has officially canceled the Atlanta Hawks’ “Magic City Monday” promotional event, which was scheduled for next Monday, during their home game against the Orlando Magic at State Farm Arena.
The decision followed significant public backlash regarding the team’s planned tribute to a strip club, with the league’s commissioner, Adam Silver, explaining, “When we became aware of the Atlanta Hawks’ scheduled promotion, we reached out to Hawks leadership to better understand their plans and rationale. While we appreciate the team’s perspective and their desire to move forward, we have heard significant concerns from a broad array of league stakeholders, including fans, partners and employees. I believe canceling this promotion is the right decision for the broader NBA community.”
Criticism was notably led by San Antonio Spurs center Luke Kornet, who argued that celebrating such a venue was inappropriate for the league’s brand and disrespectful toward women. “In its press release, the Hawks failed to acknowledge that this place is, as the business itself boasts, ‘Atlanta’s premier strip club,’” he wrote. “Given this fact, I would like to respectfully ask that the Atlanta Hawks cancel this promotional night with Magic City.”
In response, the Hawks expressed disappointment but accepted the ruling, stating, “While we are very disappointed in the NBA’s decision to cancel our Magic City Night promotion, we fully respect its decision. As a franchise, we remain committed to celebrating the best of Atlanta – with authenticity – in ways that continue to unite and bring us all together.”
While the game will proceed and rapper T.I. is still set to perform at halftime, the live recording of the Hawks AF podcast featuring T.I. and Magic City founder Michael Barney has been canceled. Additionally, special collaboration hoodies will no longer be sold at the arena, though existing pre-orders will be honored.