Phoenix Suns wear 'noche latina' jersey in 2010 during SB1070 passing

recap of that time during the 2010 playoffs when the Suns stood in support of the Latino community during that whole SB1070 thing.

Check this out if you don't know what I'm talking about ^^^

The Who/What? The NBAs Phoenix Suns have always showed support and appreciation towards Phoenix and its surrounding areas. That was made clear to me when the Suns wore their "noche latina" jerseys, jerseys designated to be worn during hispanic heritage nights, in support of the Latino community. During this time the Arizona state legislator had passed the SB1070 bill and was signed by then governor jan brewer. 

The object here is the jersey which is printed in Spanish. That was a direct show of support for Latinos everywhere, but it made sense for the Suns to be playing a home game the same night protestors walked arm to arm to the state house not far from where the game was taking place. Being a lifelong Suns fan and a Latino it hit close to home and I understood what the team was doing from the moment i saw the warmups come off during the telecast. 

The Where: This took place in Phoenix, Arizona at the US Airways Center (now Talking Stick Arena). The arena is less than 10 minutes away from the state house where the protestors were marching to during the game. 

When though? This appropriately took place on May 5th (Cinco de Mayo) of 2010. This all came together perfectly for the team and for those against the bill which was seen as tampering with our rights as citizens. The SB1070 bill basically allowed police and border patrol to stop you on mere suspicion of you being here illegally. 

Why?: The state of Arizona has always been rich in traditions and cultures. The cultures which are constantly present and celebrated by all are those of the Latino community. With the proximity of the border it makes sense for the state to be rich in traditions but what happens when those with a little power stop seeing all the beauty and become almost taken over with paranoia, fear, outside interests? Well thats when people with larger platforms need to make themselves heard. The Suns along with owner Robert Sarver have expressed how displeased this bill made them. The Suns just felt it was appropriate to do that at that time, and I'm sure plenty of Suns fans felt so as well. Personally I thought that was a classy gesture and forever cemented my love for that team no matter how bad they play or who they trade away. Definitely hit em with that pathos. 

The Suns were reaching out to the Latino community all over the state and across the country. The fanbase has always been strong with latinos, mainly because of proximity and where people end up, but if this didn't do anything to attract and retain latinos as lifelong fans and appreciate the team more than i don't know what will. Basketball players have always been vocal about social issues or league issues, but it's key to remember this team was ran by Steve Nash who is known for being outspoken and known to challenge the status quo of just play and get paid. Nash spoke out against the invasion of Iraq in 2003 and has always been a well spoken intelligent person who since retirement has dabbled in film making, writing, directing and continuing his philanthropic efforts. I like to think that it was acts like that that prompted more players to be socially conscious and influenced the "I can't breathe" shirts in four years after. The Suns team at that time also wore those shirts after others in the league began.