Legendary NBA coach Phil Jackson criticized the league for scheduling games on Catholic holidays in a rare social media post on Easter Sunday. Jackson, a highly successful coach and former player, noted the league’s decision to have four playoff games on Easter Sunday, questioning the decision to play on such sacred days. This was Jackson’s first social media post in over a year, but his criticism of the NBA is not new. He had previously stopped watching NBA games after the league became too political, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when players wore social justice messages on their jerseys in the Orlando bubble.
In a podcast appearance in 2023, Jackson expressed his disapproval of the NBA’s political stance, stating that such actions were turning certain viewers off. He humorously referred to the players’ social justice messages on their jerseys and indicated that his grandkids found it amusing. Jackson believed that the league was catering to a specific audience, not realizing that it was causing others to lose interest in sports due to the injection of politics. The NBA’s decision to allow players to express political views through their jerseys was a turning point for Jackson, leading him to stop watching games altogether.
As the NBA and NFL vie for viewership, they often compete for holidays like Christmas Day to attract audiences. Last season, the NFL successfully played a double-header on Netflix on Christmas Day, prompting them to schedule three games this year. The competition between the leagues for viewership continues to be fierce, bringing exciting matchups to fans during the holiday season. Jackson’s criticism of the NBA’s scheduling of games on religious holidays reflects a larger discussion about the intersection of sports and politics in today’s society.
Jackson’s comments on the NBA’s decision to play games on Easter and Christmas highlight a broader debate around the place of politics in sports. The NBA’s embrace of social justice messaging on player jerseys during the COVID-19 pandemic was met with both support and criticism from fans, with some feeling alienated by the league’s stance. Jackson’s stance on the issue reflects a desire for sports to remain apolitical, providing a form of entertainment separate from the divisive political climate. As the NBA and other leagues navigate these complex issues, they must balance the desire to address social justice causes with maintaining a fan base that seeks sports as an escape from the political sphere.
Overall, Jackson’s criticism of the NBA reflects a larger conversation about the intersection of sports and politics in today’s society. His comments on the league’s decision to schedule games on religious holidays and allow players to wear social justice messages on their jerseys illustrate the ongoing debate within the sports world. As the NBA and NFL compete for viewership and navigate issues of politics and social justice, they must find a balance that respects their diverse fan base while still addressing important societal issues. Jackson’s perspective adds to the ongoing dialogue about the role of sports in today’s divisive political climate and the challenges faced by leagues in appealing to a broad audience while remaining true to their core values.
