Sonic Boom? Not so Fast...

First, read the article in the link below by writer LZ Granderson. Next, read my email response to his article.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=granderson/070302&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab5pos1

Mr. Granderson,

As a journalist, I really think you need to watch your words more carefully. You describe the Sonics owners as "anti-gay," when in reality they are "anti gay-marriage." There is a HUGE difference there.

I consider myself a liberal, and I'm fairly indifferent on the gay marriage issue. I understand and respect both sides of that particular topic.

But just as I believe homosexuals have a right to live freely and without prejudice, I also believe that the Sonics owners have a right to their particular stance. If those gentlemen were in favor of banning gays from the arena or from working for the Sonics, I would definitely consider this an issue that David Stern needed to rectify. But as far as I understand it, they simply funded something that opposed gay marriage. In that case, I do not see where Stern or the NBA has any obligation to involve itself.

In your article, you hint at this being akin to the racial prejudices we've seen in the past. Nothing could be further from the truth. No one in power is "oppressing" anyone here. No one is failing to give another human being an equal opportunity within their organization.

Basically what you are saying is that the NBA should not permit political conservatives to own teams. Conservativism is not my particular viewpoint, and I assume it is not yours. However, conservatives deserve equal rights to voice their opinions, and I do not believe that it should preclude them being in an organization such as the NBA.

David Stern is obligated to make sure the NBA provides fair and equal treatment of its' employees and fans. If that is ever in question, then I absolutely agree that action must be taken. However, Stern and the league are NOT obligated to involve themselves in fringe political issues.

Americans have committed a multitude of human rights related sins over the years. And many leaders turned a blind eye to those atrocities. But in the 21st Century, we need to remember not to "overcorrect" the mistakes we've made in the past.

In my opinion articles like yours do not contribute to broadening horizons or closing gaps. Instead, they simply contribute to the over-legislation of this country.

Thank you for your time. Best wishes,

Ed Kleese
edskin1@cox.net
P.S. I am including a link to your article along with my response in my sports blog (www.edkleese.blogspot.com).