DeSantis trolls NBA players' union for criticizing Orlando Magic's $50,000 donation to super PAC supporting Florida governor

The National Basketball Players Association on Thursday criticized the Orlando Magic for donating $50,000 to a super PAC supporting Republican Florida governor — and presidential candidate — Ron DeSantis, ESPN reported.

But DeSantis had some trolling up his sleeve for the players' union over its statement.

What are the details?

The NBPA statement reads: "A political contribution from the Orlando Magic is alarming given recent comments and policies of its beneficiary. 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."

ESPN said the players' union statement "comes after DeSantis made comments supporting Florida's new African American history standard that says some Black people benefited from slavery."

New Orleans Pelicans forward Larry Nance Jr. said as much on social media: "So the @OrlandoMagic who have a majority black roster, a black head coach, and a black GM decided it was a good idea to support a man that claims that slavery had personal benefits for the enslaved?"

How did DeSantis respond?

DeSantis on Friday replied to the players' union statement on social media: "It appears the NBA took a break from protesting our anthem and bending the knee to Communist China to chirp about my policies."

The NBA has been criticized frequently for ignoring China's ugly track record on human rights as it courts the communist country's financial backing. One owner even said, "Nobody cares about what’s happening to the Uyghurs," who are among the victims of China's human rights abuses. NBA icon LeBron James also has been criticized for cozying up to China.

NBA players also were criticized for kneeling in protest of the national anthem prior to games following the death of George Floyd at the hands of police in 2020.

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