KEY POINTS

  • ESPN's veteran journalist Adrian Wojnarowski has been suspended due to an inappropriate email exchange between Senator Josh Hawley
  • Colin Cowherd mentioned that the NBA is anti-Trump and their politics have caused a decline in the ratings
  • The NBA hasn't backed down from making any political statements as they've allowed players to change their jersey names for social justice causes

The NBA has voiced their side on several relevant issues the past few months. Analyst Colin Cowherd mentioned that the league is ‘Anti-Trump’ and this has been a major cause for a dip in the ratings.

This take from Cowherd comes after ESPN suspended their veteran journalist Adrian Wojnarowski for sending an inappropriate email to senator Josh Hawley. The politician was questioning the relationship between the NBA and China when Wojnarowski emailed Hawley a straightforward “f—k you” response.

With this, Hawley revealed the exchange as he took to Twitter to post the screenshot of the email.

The suspension of Wojnarowski is slated for two weeks and has already addressed the fans about the issue. “I was disrespectful and I made a regretful mistake. I’m sorry for the way I handled myself and I am reaching out immediately to Senator Hawley to apologize directly,” Wojnarowski wrote.

Despite this, a lot of fans and players used the hashtag #FreeWoj in solidarity with the veteran NBA insider. This even includes multiple-time MVP, LeBron James.

While the outpour of support continues for Wojnarowski, Cowherd mentioned that this is due to the credibility he has earned across the league. The suspension comes as no surprise as ESPN is a large public company.

With a journalist standing up against a United States senator, Cowherd continued by saying the political inclination of the NBA is against Trump.

Some have called Cowherd out as a Trump supporter while others mentioned instances that he’s not.

Regardless of Cowherd’s personal inclination, there’s no question that the NBA has been more vocal about valid concerns happening in the world. With the league using their platform, Cowherd shared that conservative fans would tend to tune out.

The strong political stance the NBA has is evident in the upcoming modified season. Amidst the global health crisis and the difficult political landscape, the league has made ways for players to use their influence. This includes the opportunity for the players to use the league as a way to speak up during this relevant time.

Players are able to change the names at the back of their jersey for an opportunity to send a message regarding social justice. These come as a result of the tragic murder of George Floyd and the fight against the systemic racism that has been prevalent in the country.

It will be interesting to see how the league will move forward despite the dip in ratings and the ever-evolving situation around the country.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver says he believes it will be at least May before the league can make any decision on resuming the 2019-20 season halted by the coronavirus pandemic
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver says he believes it will be at least May before the league can make any decision on resuming the 2019-20 season halted by the coronavirus pandemic GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Stacy Revere
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