Luke Cornett doubles down on reviews for Hawks’ Magic City Night

As it is San Antonio Spurs (43-17) prepare to wrap up their five-game Eastern Conference road trip against the Philadelphia 76ers (33-27) on Tuesday at 8:00 PM ET on NBC and Peacock, Center Luke Cornet repeated his criticism of the Atlanta Hawks collaboration with Magic City.

Cornett addressed the controversy after Tuesday’s shooting, speaking with Jason Dumas of Action News on 6abc. His comments came a day after he publicly objected The Hawks’ planned “Magic City Night” promotion is tied to their March 16 home game against the Orlando Magic.

“I just saw the statement last week, the Hawks announcement, and just in terms of having a public voice on that, I feel like it didn’t really represent what I and a lot of other NBA (players) thought. So, I just want to make sure that some of the discussion is expressed and that it comes with people like criticism and things like that, so I think white people are just there to do it, but I think white people are just working to try to start a conversation and have it.”

He continued:

“That’s something important to make sure that the league, everybody is willing to represent and environment that you want to have.”

Cornett’s renewed comments follow the backlash he received after he first raised concerns about the Hawks partnership. On Monday, he elaborated in a post on Medium, where he directly called on the organization to cancel the event.

Luke Cornett made some waves nationally when he called on the Atlanta Hawks to cancel Magic City Night, saying it was disrespectful to women.

I asked him about it after the Philadelphia shooting. He says he hasn’t spoken to the league since his statement. pic.tvitter.com/eTvFuZGAGK

— Jason Dumas (@JDumasReports) March 3, 2026

“This week, the Atlanta Hawks ‘announced a special one-night collaboration to celebrate the city’s iconic cultural institution Magic City’ during the team’s home games against the Orlando Magic on Monday, March 16,” Cornett wrote. “In their press release, the Hawks failed to acknowledge that this place is, as the business itself boasts, ‘Atlanta’s premier strip club.’ In light of this fact, I would respectfully request that the Atlanta Hawks cancel this promotional night with the Magic City.

Luke Cornett says NBA, Hawks didn’t come amid Magic City controversy

When asked if the league had reached out after his initial statement, Cornett said:

“Not really after that. I talked to some people in the league beforehand just to see what the status was so I could be up to date on the situation.”

He added that the Hawks have not contacted him.

“No, I didn’t.”

The Hawks collaboration has attracted widespread attention, including public support of former quarterback Lou Williams. While Atlanta hasn’t hinted at any change in its plans, Cornett’s remarks added another layer to the broader conversation surrounding the event.

San Antonio will now refocus on the court as they prepare to face Philadelphia on Tuesday night, looking to bounce back from a 114-89 loss to the New York Knicks on Sunday.