It's a two-fold problem. The players in the NBA are some if the more vocal athletes with regard to the political realm, and it's turned off some of their more conservative fans and maybe even the moderates. Sports is an escape of sorts from the day to day grind, and constant reminders are bound to turn away some fans.

Additionally, it's putting out a bad product. Statistics ball has largely ruined the human confrontation element of basketball, and the game is essentially just about who's shots are falling that night. People like to see one player beat another and that just isn't there anymore.

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