NBA league, players donate to Sandy relief efforts

NEW YORK–National Basketball Association club owners and players combined to donate $1 million to the American Red Cross and other organizations assisting in the recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.

The league will also air messages at games and during NBA telecasts to encourage contributions to humanitarian agencies aiding those coping with the aftermath of the killer superstorm that devastated New York and New Jersey.

“Many homes and lives were devastated by Hurricane Sandy and our thoughts, abiding concerns and hopes are with all those affected,” NBA commissioner David Stern said.

“Our teams and players are partnering with the Red Cross and other humanitarian organizations to support the relief efforts to help families and communities recover.”

Electricity remains out for much of the area and many areas have been flooded with damage from high winds having forced some out of homes and into rescue shelters.

“The immeasurable damage and heartbreaking impact of this latest natural disaster continues to shock all of us,” players union executive director Billy Hunter said.