Why I Filed an Unfair Labor Practice Charge Against the NBA
NBA bylaws allow the league’s commissioner to punish players for statements “prejudicial or detrimental to the best interests” of the NBA or a team. The rule violates workers’ rights — which is why I’ve filed unfair labor practice charges against the NBA.
New York Knicks forward Obi Toppin defends the rim against Washington Wizards forward Rui Hachimura during first half action at Capital One Arena on January 13, 2023. (Jonathan Newton / Washington Post via Getty Images)
I filed an unfair labor practice charge against the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the New York Knicks, as joint employers, yesterday in the New York City region of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The charge takes issue with a provision of the NBA’s bylaws that empowers the NBA commissioner to suspend and fine players for statements that they make.
Specifically, the rule in question states that:
The Commissioner shall have the power to suspend for a definite or indefinite period, or to impose a fine not exceeding $50,000, or inflict both such suspension and fine upon any Player who, in his opinion, (i) shall have made or caused to be made any statement having, or that was designed to have, an effect prejudicial or detrimental to the best interests of basketball or of the Association or of a Member [Team]. . . .
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