No plans yet to move All-Star game over 'problematic' law

NEW YORK: NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Friday that a North Carolina law branded discriminatory against transgender people is "problematic," but the league hasn't made plans to move the 2017 All-Star Game from Charlotte.

"The current state of the law is problematic for the league. But we're not making any announcements now," Silver said Friday as the league's Board of Governors meetings concluded in New York.

"We can be most constructive by working with elected officials to effect change."

League spokesman Mike Bass later stressed that the league remains concerned about its ability to stage the mid-season showcase in North Carolina.

He said "change is needed" regarding the state law known as HB2, which prohibits local governments within the state from enacting policies protecting the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community at public facilities and restrooms.

It specifically requires that transgender people use restrooms corresponding to the sex on their birth certificates.

Silver said Friday that no votes had been taken about moving the game, which is to be held February at the home arena of the Charlotte Hornets.

But he said owners were unanimous that "we stand united against any form of discrimination."

"Sports can be used as a constructive force to bring people together," Silver said. "Ultimately our interest is in conducting a successful AllStar Game in North Carolina and having a team that can play there in a nondiscriminatory environment." - AFP