FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: June 23, 2010Rev. Clinton Miller (718) 638-6121, (646) 290-0490
BUSLOADS OF RESIDENTS TO JOIN CLERGY AND ELECTED LEADERS TO PROTEST NBA’S DECISION TO ACCEPT MIKHAIL PROKHOROV AS MAJORITY OWNER OF THE NETS
Group cites a failure of NBA Commissioner David Stern to thoroughly investigate Prokhorov, his ownership in a questionable investment bank and disappointment in Stern and his failure to respect global human rights
NEW YORK, New York– On Thursday, June 24 at noon, busloads of Brooklyn residents will travel across the Brooklyn Bridge to Madison Square Garden with area clergy members, lead by Pastor Clinton M. Miller of Brown Memorial Baptist Church, and elected officials to protest the NBA’s decision to accept Mikhail Prokhorov as the majority owner of the Nets basketball franchise.
In a tersely worded letter signed and delivered to NBA Commissioner David Stern, more than 300 residents, community organizations and congregations have called on Commissioner Stern to open a thorough investigation of Prokhorov and Renaissance Capital, an investment bank of which he is part owner. It is alleged that Renaissance Capital violated U.S. sanctions against Zimbabwe.
According to the letter, “…it is only fitting that the league should respect global human rights. Anything less would be morally wrong and could potentially ensnare the NBA, its member clubs, and personnel in complex international human rights violations…”
The Nets were purchased by Forest City Ratner Companies in 2004 as part of a package development deal called Atlantic Yards. Finally passing many hurdles – including community opposition – the controversial development has begun. The Nets are expected to play in Brooklyn by the 2012 season.
NEW YORK, New York– On Thursday, June 24 at noon, busloads of Brooklyn residents will travel across the Brooklyn Bridge to Madison Square Garden with area clergy members, lead by Pastor Clinton M. Miller of Brown Memorial Baptist Church, and elected officials to protest the NBA’s decision to accept Mikhail Prokhorov as the majority owner of the Nets basketball franchise.
In a tersely worded letter signed and delivered to NBA Commissioner David Stern, more than 300 residents, community organizations and congregations have called on Commissioner Stern to open a thorough investigation of Prokhorov and Renaissance Capital, an investment bank of which he is part owner. It is alleged that Renaissance Capital violated U.S. sanctions against Zimbabwe.
According to the letter, “…it is only fitting that the league should respect global human rights. Anything less would be morally wrong and could potentially ensnare the NBA, its member clubs, and personnel in complex international human rights violations…”
The Nets were purchased by Forest City Ratner Companies in 2004 as part of a package development deal called Atlantic Yards. Finally passing many hurdles – including community opposition – the controversial development has begun. The Nets are expected to play in Brooklyn by the 2012 season.
WHO: Rev. Clinton M. Miller, Pastor, Brown Memorial Baptist Church; elected officials; Brooklyn residents
WHAT: Protest and rally
WHEN: Thursday, June 24 at 12:00 p.m.
WHERE: The Theater at Madison Square Garden W. 33rd St. and 7th Avenue, Manhattan
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