Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey fell under fire for tweeting about the Hong Kong protesters.
What happened: Morey fell under fire Saturday after he tweeted a picture early Saturday, which read, “Fight For Freedom. Stand With Hong Kong.” Morey deleted the photo. But Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta saw it on Twitter. He quoted the tweet, clarifying that it wasn’t the opinion of the Rockets organization.
Chinese sponsors and the China Basketball Association suspended ties with the Rockets. The president of the CBA, Yao Ming, previously played for the Rockets.
Tencent Sports, which live streams the Rockets games, tweeted that games of the Rockets would be suspended. Customers can pick another NBA team to follow in the meantime.
What they’re saying: Morey released a statement on Twitter Sunday night.
“I did not intend my tweet to cause any offense to Rockets fans and friends of mine in China. I was merely voicing one thought, based on one interpretation, of one complicated event. I have had a lot of opportunity since that tweet to hear and consider other perspectives.
“I have always appreciated the significant support our Chinese fans and sponsors have provided and I would hope that those who are upset will know that offending or misunderstanding them was not my intention. My tweets are my own and in no way represent the Rockets or the NBA.”
The NBA also released a statement on the controversy.
“We recognize that the views expressed by Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey have deeply offended many of our friends and fans in China, which is regrettable. While Daryl has made it clear that his tweet does not represent the Rockets or the NBA, the values of the league support individuals’ educating themselves and sharing their views on matters important to them. We have great respect for the history and culture of China and hope that sports and the NBA can be used as a unifying force to bridge cultural divides and bring people together.”
Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai released a statement:
Houston Rockets star James Harden answered a question on the controversy.
“We apologize. We love China,” he said, standing with Rockets guard Russell Westbrook.
“We love playing there. Both of us, we go there once or twice a year. They show us most support so we appreciate them.”
Political candidates have weighed in. It appears 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang has some thoughts about it. Yang tweeted his thoughts Sunday morning.
“The Chinese government banning the Rockets is a terrible move,” Yang tweeted.
Florida Sens. Rick Scott and Marco Rubio released statements, too, as reported by The New York Times’ Sopan Deb.
Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse issued a statement:
New York Sen. Chuck Schumer weighed in, too.
Marion Smith, executive director of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation, emailed a statement to the Deseret News:
“The values of the Chinese Communist Party are not the values of America’s most popular athletic league. It’s morally reprehensible that the NBA is apologizing for one of its general managers standing with the beleaguered people of Hong Kong. We understand that millions of dollars may be at stake, but there are some things not worth compromising. One’s moral compass is among them. It’s clear that under Adam Silver’s leadership, the NBA has lost their way in service to Beijing. On behalf of the millions of victims of communism worldwide, Mr. Commissioner, we are calling on you to resign.”