Luke Kornet Urges Atlanta Hawks To Cancel 'Magic City Monday' Promotion, Citing Disrespect To Women

 San Antonio Spurs big man Luke Kornet has ignited a fierce NBA debate after publicly calling on the Atlanta Hawks to scrap their upcoming “Magic City Monday” promotion. Kornet argues the event, a tribute to Atlanta’s legendary strip club, disrespects women and clashes with the league’s responsibility to promote a family-friendly, respectful environment.

The controversy erupted last week when the Hawks announced a special one-night collaboration for their March 16 home game against the Orlando Magic. The team framed it as a celebration of "Atlanta’s iconic cultural institution Magic City," complete with the club’s famous lemon-pepper wings served in the arena, themed merchandise, a performance by Atlanta rapper T.I., and other nods to the venue’s deep ties to hip-hop and local nightlife.

Kornet released an article on Medium expressing his concern with the Atlanta Hawks' “Magic City Monday”. 

The Hawks have offered no public comment so far, and the NBA league office has stayed silent.

Magic City’s cultural weight is undeniable: it’s been immortalized in music videos, documentaries, and even NBA lore (remember Lou Williams’ famous “lemon-pepper” moment?). For many, the promotion is harmless fun that leans into Atlanta’s vibrant identity. For Kornet and his supporters, it crosses a line when a family-oriented sports franchise partners so directly with adult entertainment.

As the March 16 date approaches, the story continues to dominate NBA discourse. Whether Kornet’s letter gains enough traction to force a change, or simply highlights the tricky balance between local flavor and league-wide standards, remains to be seen. One thing is clear: in today’s NBA, even a themed night can spark a serious conversation about respect, culture, and what professional sports should celebrate.