The Miami Heat issued a statement on Monday defending their Haitian employees, weighing in on the intense political tensions surrounding Springfield, Ohio.
“The Miami Heat staff, like Miami itself, is a vibrant and culturally diverse and beautifully integrated team that includes many members of the Haitian community,” the organization said. “The false reports about them are hurtful and disturbing and, unfortunately, have made innocent people targets of hateful rhetoric and physical threats.”
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A close-up of the shot and game clock in front of the tarpaulin with the Miami Heat logo covering the arena seats during the second half of the Miami Heat vs. Milwaukee Bucks game at AmericanAirlines Arena on December 29, 2020 in Miami. (Jasen Beinlove-USA TODAY Sports)
“Our Haitian employees, fans and friends deserve better.”
The town of Springfield became a political hotbed last week after rumors spread that pets had been stolen and eaten — accusations strongly denied by authorities — and sparked a larger debate about the plight of Haitian migrants since their arrival.
Thousands of Haitians have been coming to Springfield since the COVID-19 pandemic began, and residents say the influx of newcomers has led to an increase in crime, unrest and car accidents. City officials say about 20,000 Haitians are in the city of 58,000.
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Many immigrants come to the United States with temporary protected status, allowing them to live and work in the country for a limited period of time.
But as more and more people flee into the city, tensions between locals and the sudden influx of newcomers have begun to surface, reaching their highest point last October when a school bus carrying dozens of children collided with a minivan, injuring many of the students on board and killing one.
A full view of the scoreboard with the FTX Arena logo in the center of the court before the Miami Heat vs. Charlotte Hornets game at FTX Arena on November 12, 2022 in Miami. (Jasen Beinlove-USA TODAY Sports)
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The Heat appear to be the first professional sports team to speak out on the issue, after Springfield artist John Legend called for his hometown to “embrace” Haitian immigrants.
Fox News' Michael Lee contributed to this report.
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