The NBA boasts some of the most social-justice minded athletes in America, a fact many fans rightfully bemoan. You would think that people with values such as theirs would choose to support businesses and organizations that align with said values.
Think again.
Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson has signed a shoe deal with the Chinese company Anta. Because of this partnership, Clarkson will wear Anta sneakers during the FIBA Basketball World Cup this summer as he represents the Philippines.
Jordan Clarkson has joined the Anta family 🔥
— Naveen Ganglani (@naveenganglani) August 20, 2023
Anta Philippines announced that Clarkson will exclusively wear Anta when he plays for 🇵🇭 in the upcoming FIBA World Cup.
Both sides are also in talks of an agreement that would have Clarkson wear Anta for the upcoming NBA Season pic.twitter.com/gHrIgPvUDa
The fact Clarkson signed a shoe deal isn’t that big of a deal, these guys do it all the time. But a shoe deal with a Chinese company is especially troubling.
I don’t need to spell out what China’s human rights record has looked like in recent years, but it's pretty darn awful. And yet, Clarkson has willingly turned his eyes to all of that just so he can sign what will likely be a lucrative business deal. So much as for being concerned about social issues.
But Clarkson isn’t the only NBA star willing to be labeled a hypocrite for some extra cash. Kyrie Irving is the Chief Creative Officer for the company, which means he is in charge of expanding Anta’s influence across the globe.
Klay Thompson signed with the company in 2014, and is in the seventh year of a 10-year, $80 million contract he signed in 2016, and he says he has the goal of becoming the Michael Jordan of Anta. Other NBA stars who have partnered with the company include Gordon Hayward, Alex Caruso, and Kevon Looney.
These endorsements go against the reputation the NBA and its players put forth of being social justice leaders. I guess these guys conveniently forget about all those lectures they gave us about fighting for “equality” to create a better America when they conduct their business.
