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Investigative reporting by Central Florida-based journalists Stephanie Coueignoux and Jon Alba has produced an interesting timeline regarding Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ office amending their stay-at-home order to make “professional sports and media production with a national audience” an essential business in the state.
I have asked how @WWE is "critical to Florida's economy": no audience, only essential personnel- what revenue is being generated and if so- how is it benefiting Florida residents and taxpayers? I'm waiting on @GovRonDeSantis office to respond. @MyNews13 #n13covid19
— Stephanie Coueignoux (@StephanieCNews) April 14, 2020
— Stephanie Coueignoux (@StephanieCNews) April 14, 2020
It's also worth noting that the executive order does not apply to just #WWE. It applies to #AEW. It applies to any pro sport or entertainment entity with a national audience. The Orlando Magic could have a scrimmage tomorrow if they wanted to.
— Jon Alba (@JonAlba) April 14, 2020
But most are choosing not to.
There’s no evidence of quid pro quo being reported. As Alba states, there are plenty of ties between the McMahons, the Trumps, and the Republican Party (which DeSantis also represents), and the addendum to the stay-at-home order theoretically opens Florida to a lot of companies and leagues beyond WWE.
So legally speaking, this is all circumstantial. The court of public opinion is another matter.