Kansas Metropolis has popped up as a possible momentary dwelling for the Toronto Raptors subsequent season — as they may seemingly have to relocate because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and worldwide journey restrictions in place. 

Three civil rights teams within the Kansas Metropolis space, nevertheless, have cautioned the Raptors and the league towards doing so. 

The explanation? Metropolis leaders have “didn’t exhibit that Black Lives Matter.”

Civil rights teams warn NBA towards relocating to Kansas Metropolis

The City League of Larger Kansas Metropolis, the Southern Christian Management Convention of Larger Kansas Metropolis and the Kansas Metropolis, Missouri, chapter of the NAACP wrote a letter explaining their worries concerning the doable transfer to NBA commissioner Adam Silver final week, in keeping with KMBC. 

“Whereas having the NBA select Kansas Metropolis as a house for the Toronto Raptors could be an enormous honor, and excite NBA followers in Kansas Metropolis, as you perceive, there are some points which supersede enjoyable and financial pursuits,” they wrote, partly. “The safety of Black lives stays our most urgent concern … Though Kansas Metropolis is a superb sports activities metropolis, it’s also a metropolis the place legislation enforcement has demonstrated excessive hostility and extreme drive in the direction of Black individuals.”

The teams cited a number of current incidents within the metropolis of their letter, and mentioned that “racial profiling by police is a routine incidence.” Additionally they particularly referred to as out the police chief and mayor for not addressing these points.

KCPD, mayor reply to letter

Each the Kansas Metropolis police division and Mayor Quinton Lucas addressed the letter in statements to KMBC on Saturday. 

The police division plainly mentioned they’re dedicated to serving each residents and guests of the Kansas Metropolis space, and can proceed to “guarantee the security of any sports activities groups” coming to town. 

“I commend our civil rights organizations for reminding our metropolis and people past that preservation of Black lives ought to be a most urgent concern for our group and our companions,” Lucas mentioned in a press release. “Sadly, like Toronto, Chicago, Philadelphia and most NBA cities, we have now a lot work to do in guaranteeing all our Black neighbors really feel secure in all interactions with legislation enforcement. No matter our future with the NBA, we stay dedicated to that important work.”

Patrick Mahomes, others advocating for the Kansas Metropolis Raptors

The COVID-19 pandemic is raging in the US like by no means earlier than. 

The nation is averaging greater than 80,000 new instances a day over the previous week, in keeping with The New York Instances, and set an all-time document on Friday with practically 100,000 new instances. 

Due to that, the border between the US and Canada is closed — which might make it extraordinarily troublesome for the Raptors to host video games in Toronto when the season begins again up once more.

Whereas there are many choices out there — together with sharing a present NBA market quickly — NBA sources informed Yahoo Sports activities’ Vincent Goodwill that an NBA-ready market is a better promote. 

The league has reportedly been eyeing Louisville and the KFC Yum! Heart as a doable dwelling. Kansas Metropolis, with the T-Cell Heart within the Energy & Gentle District, can be NBA-ready. 

Kansas Metropolis Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes tweeted out his assist for bringing the Raptors to town final week, and Lucas, two state senators and a consultant all wrote a letter to Silver advocating for the transfer.

Because the league has but to agree on an official begin date or plan for subsequent season, discovering a brand new dwelling for the Raptors seemingly gained’t occur for fairly a while.

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