This Air Jordan Is an Unexpected Victim of North Carolina's Bathroom Bill

'Hornets' Air Jordan 31s around the All-Star Game that was originally supposed to be in Charlotte.

Air Jordan 31 All Star Hornets 905847 004
Image via Nike
Air Jordan 31 All Star Hornets 905847 004

It's likely that next year's crop of All-Star sneakers is going to be a slightly awkward one with respect to the themes and colorways connected to the event. The festivities were originally planned for Charlotte, North Carolina, but have since been relocated to New Orleans by the NBA after the state's support of the controversial HB2 bathroom bill. Most of the shoes made for the 2017 NBA All-Star were likely designed before the switch, putting sneaker companies in a tough spot with their plans for the event.

One of the casualties of the relocation is this Air Jordan 31, an All-Star sneaker very clearly designed with the Charlotte Hornets in mind. The shoe has a honeycomb motif on its upper and even a hornet logo under the tongue. It's not hard to imagine Jordan Brand had pretty big plans around the Charlotte All-Star event given Michael Jordan's ownership of the Hornets.

Jordan himself, along with the NBA, came out against the anti-LGBT law with a statement issued in April. Nike has supported the NBA's decision to move the 2017 All-Star.

The Air Jordan 31 "All-Star" should release in February, 2017 for $200.

Air Jordan 31 All Star Hornets 905847-004 Profile
Air Jordan 31 All Star Hornets 905847-004 Medial
Air Jordan 31 All Star Hornets 905847-004 Top
Air Jordan 31 All Star Hornets 905847-004 Heel
Air Jordan 31 All Star Hornets 905847-004 Sole