The Phoenix Suns were adorned in their "Los Suns" jerseys last night in honor of Cinco de Mayo and in the midst of a political whirlwind over Arizona's recent immigration law. Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signed one of the toughest laws against illegal immigration on April 23. The law requires police to stop anyone suspected of being an illegal immigrant and has drawn tough criticism across the country.
This was not the first time that the Suns have worn this alternative uniform, which has been seen during their "Noche Latina." Suns owner Sarver stated that the team wore the jersey's again last night "to honor our Latino community and the diversity of our league, the state of Arizona and, and our nation." But the jersey were stood for a bit more than just the holiday. The players on the Suns unanimously voted to also use the moment to stand as a united front against Governor Brewer's new law.
"However intended, the result of passing this law is that our basic principles of equal rights and protection under the law are being called into question," Sarver said Tuesday in a statement "and Arizona's already struggling economy will suffer even further setbacks at a time when the state can ill-afford them."Despite Tuesday’s outspoken support of the gesture from those in both organizations — Suns General Manager Steve Kerr said that allowing the police to ask people for their papers “rings up images of Nazi Germany” — the topic of Los Suns jerseys was one that both coaches sought to distance themselves from Wednesday.
While many people including the NBA have shown verbal support of this uniform choice and the united front the Suns are showing, some fans believe that politics should stay out of the arena and the players should focus on what they are paid to do, and just play basketball.
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