Houston Rockets’ general manager is under fire after tweeting an image supporting Hong Kong amidst the conflict with China. Daryl Morey tweeted an image on Oct. 4 which read, “Fight for freedom, stand with Hong Kong,” which comes after protests happening in Hong Kong related to limits infringing on Chinese democracy.
After this tweet, the NBA did not support Morey’s stance against China. Rockets owner Tilman Feritta quickly rebuked Morey’s tweet with statements saying Morey’s views and beliefs do not reflect that of the NBA or of the team.
Bryan McFadden, director of Winthrop’s geography minor and professor of geography, formerly lived in Houston as well as Hong Kong and shared his views regarding Morey’s tweet.
“It’s freedom of speech. He used his right to write what he wanted. This became an issue with the reaction of the Chinese government who wanted what he wrote to be censored and get him fired by the commissioner,” McFadden said. “I don’t think he should have deleted the tweet as well.”
NBA commissioner, Adam Silver said that China asked for Morey to be fired after his tweet. The request was dismissed, and Morey will not be fired. Silver responded with how the NBA is already feeling “substantial financial losses” because of Chinese reactions to the tweet.
McFadden believes that part of the reason it was such a big issue was because of Yao Ming. Ming bridged the cultural gap between countries when he began playing for the United States NBA.
“The Houston Rockets are the most popular team in China. Because of Yao Ming. Yao Ming who played for the Houston Rockets and is now the president of the Chinese Basketball Association,” McFadden said.
McFadden also pointed out that the NBA supporting China and not the principles of democracy could have effects domestically.
“I don’t think any American would argue that we shouldn’t support democracy. But the question some would have differing opinions on would be to what extent, McFadden said.
Silver addressed the NBA’s relationship to China at the Time 100 Health Summit on Oct. 17.
“I felt we had made enormous progress in terms of building cultural exchanges with the Chinese people. And, again, I have regret that much of that was lost,” Silver said at the health summit. And I’m not even sure where we’ll go from here.”
Lebron James, currently of the Los Angeles Lakers, spoke out for the NBA against Morey. James said he was not fully informed on what was said or happened but that he believes that people in positions of power need to know that what they say could have bigger implications then they believe.
Protesters in Hong Kong have been seen and videoed burning #23 jerseys after James’ statement against Morey and the Hong Kong protests. James has a history of making statements supporting social movements in the past.
Ming has suspended business ties with the Rockets. Nike China removed Rockets merchandise from their stores. Chinese internet giant Tencent removes Rockets from games on their streaming service.
Morey has since taken a break from social media until the season opener for the Houston Rockets. China did not air the game.
At the Houston Rockets season opener, 30 fans were in the stands showing support for the protesters in Hong Kong. Fans at the game brought signs that read: “Thank you Morey,” “No censorship in America” and “Fight for Freedom. Stand with Hong Kong,” which was a direct quote from Morey’s original tweet.
Shaquille O’Neal, retired basketball player and analyst on TNT’s postgame show, “Inside the NBA,” voiced his support for Morey on the program.
Charles Barkley, retired professional player and analyst on the program, disagreed with O’Neal and said that Morey’s allegiance is to the NBA and the Houston Rockets and “he can quit if he is not happy with it.”
McFadden reflected on his time in his youth spent living in Hong Kong. He remembers it fondly. He also remembers over the years how the conversation on increasing government power inclined many western businesses to back out of Hong Kong. Vice President Mike Pence spoke on his disappointment in the NBA for supporting China and their lessening practice of democracy. McFadden acknowledged the way politics has been added into regular sports commentary.
“People look to sports for relief from a lot of things,” McFadden said. “Right or wrong, when sports start getting mixed with politics it upsets people. In a time where politics is at the front and center of most discussions, sports is usually a release from that. And now that’s not the case.”
Graphic: Mars hogue/ The Johnsonian
