Former Celtics center Luke Kornet calls out Hawks over 'Magic City' promotion

"The NBA should desire to protect and esteem women, many of whom work diligently every day to make this the best basketball league in the world. We should promote an atmosphere that is protective and respectful of the daughters, wives, sisters, mothers, and partners that we know and love."

"Allowing this night to go forward without protest would reflect poorly on us as an NBA community, specifically in being complicit in the potential objectification and mistreatment of women in our society. Regardless of how a woman finds her way into the adult entertainment industry, many in this space experience abuse, harassment, and violence to which they should never be subjected."

Luke Kornet, a former Boston Celtics center now with the San Antonio Spurs, published a blog post objecting to the Atlanta Hawks' "Magic City Night" promotion for their March 16 game against the Orlando Magic. Magic City is an Atlanta strip club that the Hawks labeled an "iconic cultural institution" without disclosing its nature. Kornet argued the NBA should prioritize protecting and respecting women, including those in adult entertainment who often experience abuse and harassment. He contended that proceeding with the promotion without objection would make the NBA complicit in objectifying women. The promotion includes a performance by rapper T.I. and the serving of Magic City's lemon pepper wings.

Read at Boston.com