San Antonio Spurs center Luke Kornet demands that the Atlanta Hawks terminate their promotional partnership with the notorious Atlanta strip club Magic City ahead of their March 16 game against the Orlando Magic.
Kornet’s Open Letter Sparks Outrage
The 30-year-old center published a strongly worded open letter on Medium, calling for the cancellation of the Hawks’ ‘Magic City Monday’ event. Kornet argues that the NBA must uphold respect for women who contribute to the league’s success.
‘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,’ Kornet wrote. He emphasizes creating an environment that honors ‘daughters, wives, sisters, mothers, and partners’ while warning that the promotion implicates the league in the objectification and mistreatment of women, including issues of abuse, harassment, and violence prevalent in the industry.
Hawks’ Promotion Details
The Hawks describe Magic City as a cultural institution in Atlanta’s nightlife, highlighting its history since 1985 and influence in the rap scene, where it has launched numerous artists. The event features appearances by local icons like T.I. and sales of the club’s signature lemon pepper wings.
The team’s announcement avoids labeling it a strip club, focusing instead on its culinary fame, particularly the wings that gained NBA notoriety in 2020 when Lou Williams visited during the league’s bubble, earning the moniker ‘Lemon Pepper Lou.’ Special edition hoodies blending the Magic City logo with the Hawks’ ‘Pac-Man’ crest are also part of the promotion.
Mixed Reactions Across the League and Social Media
Kornet insists the partnership clashes with fostering a safe space for fans of all ages and claims other league figures feel ‘dumbfounded.’ He urges all 30 NBA teams to voice opposition.
Social media reflects divided opinions: critics decry the morality, while supporters hail it as a clever nod to Atlanta’s culture. ESPN’s Marc Spears described the event as a ‘creative promotion,’ referencing the wings’ renaming after Williams.
The Hawks have not responded to Kornet’s letter or signaled changes to the Orlando Magic matchup plans.
