Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Los Sun Still Sets in the West

I am personally not a fan of what’s taking place in Phoenix at U.S. Airways arena this evening. The Phoenix Suns’ players will be wearing jerseys bearing the name “Los Suns” on the front in honor of its Latino community and also in protest of Arizona’s Immigration law recently passed on April 23rd. The Phoenix Suns waited to break out the uniforms until tonight which just so happens to be Cinco de Mayo; a holiday that means little to Mexico, but a revenue generator for the United States. Can we really call tonight’s jersey choice a political protest? Not a Chance!!

If the NBA wanted to create awareness around the controversial new law, they would have chosen to make a much different statement. Phoenix along with Dallas, San Antonio, Chicago, Miami and Houston all wore similar jerseys to recognize the Latino community earlier in the season. The NBA would have had these teams wear the special Latino jerseys late in the first round, and really focused on the Suns vs. Spurs series in the second round since both teams play in high Latino populated areas. The only reason why the NBA is allowing these jerseys to be worn is simply because it's the 5th of May, better known as Cinco de Mayo here in the States. Looking to make a statement as an organization, Phoenix should continue to wear the jerseys for the remainder of the playoffs, not just for game two vs. San Antonio.

The NBA doesn't want to get involved as the popular debate continues on whether sports belong in politics. Had the NBA wanted to get involve and stand behind the Phoenix Suns they would have manufactured the “Los Suns” jerseys and partnered with an organization and donated all proceeds generated by the jerseys to a worthy cause. It didn’t happen, and the NBA is more focused on the sport and their brand rather than pushing political agendas. It will be interesting to see what uniforms the Suns wear from here on out. I’m betting that they don’t wear these jerseys again…especially if they lose!

Phoenix looked at this as an opportunity to generate publicity with the hopes of increasing ticket sales. In the first round of the playoffs against Portland, the Suns had a difficult time selling out their arena. They had to rely on same day ticket sales, and enthusiastic Blazer fans to fill their seats. I'm okay with Phoenix wearing the jerseys, but wear them in recognition of the Latino culture in the area, and use that as your marketing platform, not the controversial immigration law to fill your arena.

2 comments:

  1. The Suns waited til tonight in the Playoffs! The Suns however have worn the jerseys twice in the regular season. The jerseys did not suddenly appear for Cinco de Mayo, but rather have been part of the Suns for the year. If the NBA did not want to get involved then why when the Suns called the NBA for approval the NBA was all for the idea. I LOVE the fact that the Suns chose to make a political stand and I believe that it is in support of their community and what they as well as President Obama believes is a "misguided" law. Everyone is tired of the celebrity type figures flaunting their ignorance about a variety of issues, but this is not one of those instances. Owner Robert Saver said the following,

    "Frustration with the federal government's failure to deal with the illegal immigration issue led to the passage of what he called "a flawed state law.
    However intended, the result of passing the law is that our basic principles of equal rights and protection under the law are being called into question," he said, "and Arizona's already struggling economy will suffer even further setbacks at a time when the state can ill-afford them.
    The measure makes it a crime under state law to be in the country illegally, and it directs local police to question people about their immigration status and demand to see their documents if there is reason to suspect they are illegal."

    What! Copy then Paste and Please Watch This!

    http://www.rolandsmartin.com/blog/index.php/2010/04/27/video-jon-stewart-blasts-arizonas-new-immigration-bill/


    Perhaps we should change the State name of Arizona to New Texas. At least that way people know what to expect. It would be hard to get upset for being treated unfairly or rather unconstitutionally while in Texas. You are upset? Really?!
    This is New Texas. It is the closest we can get to the Wild West.

    I guarantee you will see the LOS SUNS again soon!

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  2. So I had a response all written out but apparently it did not post, so you'll now get an abridged version of what I said.

    It was a weak political statement, and if it backfired on them for any reason they could retract and use Cinco de Mayo as the reason for the jersey choice. I know they wore them during the year along with multiple other teams (see picture above)but the NBA was staying out of it. I view the NBA as a corporation and all the teams as subsidiaries who run their own operation but at the end of the day report to the NBA.

    I like making bold statements, and if the Suns wanted to actually make a political stand they would have worn the uniforms earlier and more often. I wish it the series would have gone to a game five to see their jersey selection.

    I'll bet you a beer they don't wear them in game three against the Lakers!! make a bold statement, and wear the uniforms when people won't expect you to wear them. Game three will solidify the political stance they apparently took on Cinco de Mayo. If they don't wear them, it wasn't a political statement in my mind.

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