--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Free speech is against governments, not…" description: "\"Free speech is against governments, not against the NBA. So the players and coaches and indeed owners have been fined for their speech, which is costly..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8ba/david-stern-18048_acknowledge_free-speech-is-against-governments-not-a_1576470.png" --- # Free speech is against governments, not against the NBA… ![“Free speech is against governments, not against the NBA. So the players and coaches and indeed owners have been fined for their speech, which is costly rather than free. I sort of acknowledge that there is not free speech when you agree to work in the NBA.” quote by David Stern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8ba/david-stern-18048_acknowledge_free-speech-is-against-governments-not-a_1576470.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8ba/david-stern-18048_acknowledge_free-speech-is-against-governments-not-a_1576470.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8ba/david-stern-18048_acknowledge_free-speech-is-against-governments-not-a_1576470.png) > “Free speech is against governments, not against the NBA. So the players and coaches and indeed owners have been fined for their speech, which is costly rather than free. I sort of acknowledge that there is not free speech when you agree to work in the NBA.” [David Stern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-stern/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Critiques limits on expression within the NBA, contrasting with broader free speech rights. **In simple terms:** NBA restricts speech more than governments do. Key Takeaway Recognize workplace speech constraints. Themes free speech sports labor rights corporate policy player expression Mood critical reflective Type analytical commentary When to use this quote - team meetings - press conferences - social media posts - contract negotiations Key Concepts First Amendment contractual obligations public relations Questions to Reflect On - How should leagues balance brand protection with individual expression? - What responsibilities do players have when speaking publicly? A Different Perspective Free speech may be limited by employment contracts and league rules. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Communication](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/communication/) [Football](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/football/) [Free speech](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/free-speech/) [Government](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/government/) [Governments](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/governments/) [NBA](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/nba/) [Players](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/players/) [Politics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politics/) [Speech](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/speech/) [Work](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/work/) ## Related quotes > [I met wonderful people playing in the NBA. 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