All because of the publication of the general manager of Houston in support of the protests in Hong Kong.
The NBA was reluctantly involved in an international scandal that was provoked by just one Twitter post from Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey.
The functionary decided to support the protests that have been taking place in Hong Kong for more than one month, and posted an image on a social network with the text “Fight for freedom. We are with Hong Kong. The tweet has since been promptly deleted.
The reaction followed almost immediately: the Chinese partners en masse ceased cooperation with one of the most popular NBA organizations in the country. The fire can now spread to the entire Association and affect every franchise involved.
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Why such a reaction?
The Chinese authorities consider the protests in Hong Kong, which escalate into violence, as a separatist movement and intend to defend the integrity of the state. The local Chinese Basketball Association is in solidarity with their position, which was not even affected by the leadership role of Yao Ming, an NBA star who played 8 seasons just for Houston.
The Chinese businessman Joe Tsai, who became the owner of the Brooklyn Nets this year, went deeper into the issue. In an extended Facebook post, Tsai reflects on why China reacted so sharply to the remark, if not the main, but still significant player in such a large commercial organization as the NBA.
“What is the problem with free expression of one’s position? Freedom is an intrinsic value in America, and the NBA has actively allowed its players and other officials to speak freely about issues. But individual countries and societies have their own controversy themes. Supporting the separatist movement is one such problem, not only for the Chinese government, but also for local citizens. An important point that is often misunderstood and sometimes ignored by the Western press and China’s critics is how China’s 1.4 billion people are united when it comes to China’s territorial integrity. This issue is not being discussed,” Tsai wrote.
Further in the text, Tsai hit on historical references and recalled how the territories of China passed into the ownership of other countries over the centuries, were captured by Japan and attacked by the Alliance of Eight Powers, and Hong Kong at one time received the status of a British colony.
“When the issue of separatist sentiment is raised, the Chinese people experience a strong sense of shame and anger because of this history of foreign occupation,” the businessman summed up.
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How did the NBA react?
Mori deleted his publication and addressed the public with a public statement.
“I didn’t mean for my tweet to offend Rockets fans and my friends in China. I was just voicing one thought, based on one vision of one very difficult situation. Since posting my tweet, I have had many opportunities to hear other points of view.
I have always appreciated the special support of Chinese fans and sponsors, and I hope that those who are upset by me will understand that I did not have such intentions. My tweets speak only for me and in no way represent the opinion of the Rockets or the NBA,” the general manager wrote.
2/ 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.
— Daryl Morey (@dmorey) October 7, 2019
He was echoed by Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta, who reminded that the franchise is not a political organization and did not voice its opinion about what is happening in China.
“Mori doesn’t speak for the Houston Rockets. Our participation in the matches in Tokyo concerns only the international development of the NBA, we are not a political organization,” Fertitta said on Twitter.
Listen….@dmorey does NOT speak for the @HoustonRockets. Our presence in Tokyo is all about the promotion of the @NBA internationally and we are NOT a political organization. @espn https://t.co/yNyQFtwTTi
— Tilman Fertitta (@TilmanJFertitta) October 5, 2019
Rumors spread on the Web about the possible dismissal of Maury, which were later refuted by reputable American journalists. Although they noticed that the general manager really has a hard time.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has his own opinion on this matter, who believes that Mori did not make a mistake, expressing his own vision of the political situation in China, and will not apologize on behalf of the Association for the actions of the American.
“We understand that our two countries have different political systems and views. Like other global brands, our business operates in countries with different systems around the world. But it’s more than just growing our business. The values of equality, respect and free speech have always defined the NBA and will continue to do so.”
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How did China react?
Silver’s words were taken with hostility, and local pro-government publications accuse him of supporting protests in Hong Kong and endorsing indiscriminate violence.
Local brands are starting to turn away from working with the Association, and TV channels are canceling broadcasts of matches of American teams. A deal with Tencent, which paid $1.5 billion for the rights to broadcast NBA games in China over the next five years, was in jeopardy. Tencent has already suspended showing pre-season matches of the teams, and also refused to show matches of the Rockets. Those who have paid for a virtual subscription, giving the right to watch all the matches in Houston, will be offered an alternative.
Every day the story is gaining new momentum: NBA advertising symbols have already begun to be removed from the streets in Shanghai, the issue of holding Chinese matches between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets is looming, and the Ozerny charity event in Shanghai has already died.
Everything leads to the fact that the NBA may completely lose the incredibly ugly market, which as of 2018 was estimated for more than $ 4 billion for the sports giant, if the situation is not brought under control and the steep dive is not stopped.
Source: Sportarena
