Following Chinese Basketball Association’s decision to suspend cooperation with the Houston Rockets in response to the team GM Daryl Morey’s tweet about Hong Kong protests, both the NBA and Morey himseld released statements.
Morey took to twitter to explain his deleted tweet:
“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.”
Meanwhile, the NBA issued the following statement:
“We recognize that the views expressed by Huoston 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 of 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 a unifying force to bridge cultural divides and bring people together.”
