Gov. candidates speak out on NBA decision to move All-Star game

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Just one day after the blockbuster announcement that the NBA is pulling the 2017 All-Star game from Charlotte because of HB2, both candidates for Governor were pointing fingers.

Governor Pat McCrory was defiant in Charlotte Friday, bashing the NBA’s decision and insisting he stands by his support for the controversial legislation. “I think the decision is 'P.C. B-S'. That’s my political opinion,” McCrory said. “There’s just inconsistent outrage by some of the media and some of the elite who brought up this issue from the left.”

McCrory’s comments came the same day that the Charlotte Hornets removed banners on the uptown arena advertising the 2017 All-Star game.

It is believed that Charlotte will lose out on up to $100 million due to the loss of the All-Star weekend.

The NBA has left open the possibility of Charlotte hosting the game again in 2019. However, McCrory says he sees no effort to repeal HB2 gaining traction in Raleigh anytime soon.

“Just as the governor is talking about ‘the big bad media’ and ‘liberal elites’ Roy Cooper and his campaign are going to be talking about the economic impact of all this,” said political expert Michael Bitzer.

As if on cue, the Cooper campaign released a statement saying, “While the economic consequences of HB2 grow, Governor McCrory continues to pass the blame onto others while refusing to take any action to stop the bleeding. "Make no mistake, the NBA’s decision to pull the All-Star Game is a damaging blow to our economy and our reputation, and Governor McCrory should stop pointing fingers and take responsibility.”

While both candidates have attempted to talk about other issues, neither can escape the nearly constant and ongoing presence of HB2.

“Typically we’re talking about jobs, taxes, education,” Bitzer said,“This issue, I’ve been just shocked at how much it has really taken over this campaign.“

Cox Media Group