Adrian Wojnarowski Email Controversy

Photo via NBC Sports

ESPN commentator, Adrian Wojnarowski, has been in the news recently for a leaked email. Before I explain the situation, we need to backtrack a little bit. In restarting basketball, the NBA is allowing athletes to wear a select list of words/phrases pertaining to the Black Lives Matter movement and the fight against systemic racism on their game jerseys. As positive of a thing this is, there are some opposers to it.

Missouri Senator (R), Josh Hawley, is one of those opposers. Hawley wrote a letter to NBA commissioner, Adam Silver, in which he asked why phrases like "Back the Blue" and "Support Our Troops" (or other slogans praising the military and law enforcement) weren't approved to be on players' jerseys. He also makes constant reference to the NBA's relationship with China.

Wojnarowski was forwarded the email with the press release from Hawley. He replied with a brief "fuck you" and that was it. Then, Hawley posted a screenshot of the email on Twitter. That is when chaos ensued. Hawley was tweeting like crazy, and fans began to get in on the situation.

ESPN and Wojnarowski both released statements.

Photo via Adrian Wojnarowski's Twitter

Photo via ESPN PR on Twitter

There is a lot to unpack here.

1. I love that the NBA is allowing BLM messages on jerseys.

2. I strongly disagree with what Sen. Hawley said. He is feeding into the problem of racism and police brutality that exists in this country.

3. Wojnarowski's response was pretty perfect given how wrong Hawley is.

4. Why was the email leaked on social media? Is that infringing upon privacy?

5. Given that he works for ESPN, Wojnarowski's response is seen as " inappropriate" and "profane", although it was what needed to be said.

6. Wojnarowski shouldn't be punished for being on the side of justice.

In recent news, Wojnarowski has been suspended from ESPN and #FreeWoj is trending on social media.

Educate yourself. Donate. Speak up against systemic racism. Black Lives Matter.

For more information and ways to get involved, visit https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/.