PHOENIX SUNS CEO ADMITS HE'S GAY

 

Issue Question:
So, what are consequences of current Phoenix Suns CEO and former NBA Executive Rick Welts' decision to openly admit that he is gay on the NBA itself?

Claim:
The number of NBA executives, players, officials, and employees that have admitted their homosexuality is very small. These people who have admitted they are gay have been looked upon differently by those in and out of the NBA. Welts' decision to openly admit he is gay will greatly affect the NBA and its economic future.

Reason:
Because the NBA is a predominantly heterosexual organization, Welts announcement that he is gay will influence major sponsors and marketing relationships with other organizations. The NBA depends on these companies for revenue. For example: Gatorade, Sprite, T-Mobile, etc. Also, the NBA fans and their attendance at games, purchasing of merchandise, and their opinion greatly influences revenue for the NBA.

Implicit Assumption: These official sponsors of the NBA, along with NBA fans are what fuels the economy of the NBA.

Contract:
How does Welts' announcement affect the NBA's financial position?

Audience Statement:
My audience are those people who are for Welts' announcement and against gays holding high executive positions in the NBA, which include all NBA employees, executives, players, and also NBA fans. These individuals believe in a traditional structure  of leadership positions in the NBA.

1. Why does your audience feel your claim initially unacceptable?
My audience feels that Welts shouldn't have made such a public announcement. These people feel that his announcement will not greatly affect the fan base of the NBA. They feel that it will have a positive affect.

2. What does your audience value most in terms of your argument?
a. NBA fans' and NBA official sponsors' interests
b. Equality and Human Rights
c. Profitability and longevity of the NBA

3. What are your audience's primary concerns in terms of your argument?
a. Homophobic atmosphere in the NBA
b. NBA fans' and NBA official sponsors' views on homosexuality
c. The future of the NBA

4. Counterarguments
a. Rick Welts' announcement will raise awareness of homosexuals in executive positions not just in the NBA but in all large and well-known organizations, and encourage acceptance of homosexuals in the workplace.
b. Welts' announcement will allow other potential official sponsors to change their perspective on the NBA and open doors for companies to be an official sponsor.


Rick Welt's has been an NBA executive for more almost 30 years. He authored the concept of NBA All-Star weekend, he was in charge of marketing for "The Dream Team" who went on to win the gold medal at the 1992 Summer Olympics, a former NBA Executive Vice President, has held many other executive positions, and currently serves as the CEO of the Phoenix Suns.