San Antonio Spurs player Luke Kornet has publicly urged the Atlanta Hawks to reconsider their planned collaboration with Magic City, an adult entertainment venue, scheduled for March 16 during a game against the Orlando Magic. Kornet expressed surprise at the Hawks’ decision to endorse the event, stating that it could negatively reflect on the NBA community and contribute to the objectification and mistreatment of women.
In a blog post published on Monday, Kornet emphasized the serious issues surrounding the adult entertainment industry, noting that many individuals within it face abuse, harassment, and violence. He criticized the Hawks’ promotional announcement, which included a live performance by Atlanta rapper T.I. and featured offerings from Magic City’s menu, including their renowned chicken wings and special merchandise.
Kornet highlighted that the press release overlooked the fact that Magic City markets itself as “Atlanta’s premier strip club.” He believes that promoting such a venue contradicts the intention of creating a safe and welcoming environment for all fans to enjoy basketball. “We desire to provide an environment where fans of all ages can safely come and enjoy the game of basketball,” he wrote, expressing concern for the message that endorsing a strip club sends to the community.
By calling on the Hawks to cancel the collaboration, Kornet is advocating for a reflection on the broader implications of such partnerships within the sports industry. His stance represents a growing awareness among athletes about the importance of social responsibility and the potential impact of their affiliations and endorsements.