Richard Jefferson Backs Hawks Player's Criticism of 'Magic City' Promotion

Former NBA player agrees with Luke Kornet's concerns about the Atlanta Hawks' controversial event plans.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Former NBA player Richard Jefferson has voiced his support for Atlanta Hawks center Luke Kornet's criticism of the team's planned 'Magic City' promotional night. Kornet had written a letter objecting to the event, citing concerns about the appropriateness of the content for a family-friendly NBA game. Jefferson agreed with Kornet's stance, saying he wouldn't want his own young children exposed to that type of environment at a basketball game.

Why it matters

The Hawks' 'Magic City' promotion has drawn scrutiny and debate, with some seeing it as inappropriate for an NBA event, while others argue it's a legitimate business decision. Jefferson's public backing of Kornet's concerns adds to the pressure on the Hawks to reconsider or modify their plans for the controversial event.

The details

In a podcast interview, Jefferson said he agrees with Kornet's objections, stating 'I'm going to side with Luke Kornet. Magic City, everybody has the ability to do whatever they choose. Spend their money how they choose, but the NBA, the brand, the logo. Let's just say this, I think the NBA can partner with whoever they choose, but I understand what Luke Kornet is saying. Especially at a very delicate time. You talk about women's rights, but women's rights is also the ability to go do that.' Jefferson added that as a parent, he wouldn't want to expose his young children to that type of environment at an NBA game.

  • The Hawks' 'Magic City' promotion is scheduled for March 16, 2026.

The players

Richard Jefferson

A former NBA player who has voiced support for Luke Kornet's criticism of the Hawks' 'Magic City' promotion.

Luke Kornet

An Atlanta Hawks center who wrote a letter objecting to the team's planned 'Magic City' promotional night, citing concerns about the appropriateness of the content for a family-friendly NBA game.

Atlanta Hawks

The NBA team that has faced backlash for its plans to host a 'Magic City' promotional night, which some have criticized as inappropriate for a family-friendly sporting event.

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What they’re saying

“I'm going to side with Luke Kornet. Magic City, everybody has the ability to do whatever they choose. Spend their money how they choose, but the NBA, the brand, the logo. Let's just say this, I think the NBA can partner with whoever they choose, but I understand what Luke Kornet is saying. Especially at a very delicate time. You talk about women's rights, but women's rights is also the ability to go do that.”

— Richard Jefferson, Former NBA Player (Road Trippin Podcast)

What’s next

The Hawks will face increased scrutiny and pressure to reconsider or modify their plans for the 'Magic City' promotion before the event takes place on March 16.

The takeaway

This controversy highlights the ongoing debate around the appropriateness of certain content and partnerships for professional sports leagues, especially when it comes to family-friendly events. The Hawks will need to carefully balance their business interests with the concerns of players, fans, and the broader community.