ESPN TV channel Maria Taylor “will always stay with” her colleague Adrian Wojnarowski – even after the NBA insider wrote “F – k you” in an email to an American senator.
Republican senator Josh Hawley of Missouri on Friday sent out a press release criticizing the NBA for allowing players to wear certain social justice messages on the back of their shirts when the league is expected to restart next month.
Hawley contested the 29-sentence list, which was approved by the league and the union, containing no messages supporting law enforcement or criticism from the Chinese Communist Party.
Wojnarowski returned Hawley’s email with the uncensored cuss and the senator shared the response on social media.
Wojnarowski later apologized and ESPN said she did not “tolerate” the actions of the 51-year-old woman, but Taylor tweeted Friday evening support for her co-worker who is generally considered the best journalist in the media. the NBA.
“I don’t care what someone says I will always be with, by and for my incredible colleague and friend @wojespn,” tweeted Taylor, 33.
In response to protests from Black Lives Matter after the death of George Floyd in May, the league and the players’ union have agreed on a list of statements players should put on the back of their shirts, including: Black Lives Matter; Say their names; Vote; I can not breathe; Justice; Peace; Equality; Freedom; Enough; Power to the people; Justice Now; Say his name; Sí Se Puede (Yes, we can); Release; Look at us; Hear us; Respect us; Love us; Listen; Listen to us; Get up; Ally; Antiracist; I am a man; Speak Up; How much more; Group economy; Educational reform; and mentor.
While the NBA is widely regarded as one of the most progressive sports leagues, it faced a backlash in October for its reaction to Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey, who tweeted support for anti-government protesters from Honk Kong.
The NBA called Morey’s tweet “unfortunate,” and the league is said to have lost between $ 150 and $ 200 million in revenue after China withdrew its sponsorships and television coverage.
In late June, China approved a national security law that effectively denied freedom of expression and the right of Hong Kong residents to protest against the communist government.
Hawley asked Commissioner Adam Silver in his first email if the NBA would allow players to “wear phrases in support of the United States, the United States military and law enforcement” and messages “Support for the victims of the Chinese Communist Party”.
It was unclear if Silver had responded to Hawley’s email, or if Wojnarowski would face ESPN discipline.
Hawley didn’t seem to care about Wojnarowski’s apology, tweeting in response to the ESPN statement, “Don’t apologize to @wojespn. He just says what he really thinks. Call @NBA. You know, your job. “
The NBA is in the middle of a $ 24 billion, nine-year television contract with ESPN and TNT.
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