Houston Rockets manager’s tweet embroils NBA in Free Speech controversy with China

On Oct. 4, 2019, Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey tweeted support for continuing pro-democracy demonstrations in Hong Kong. The tweet infuriated Chinese fans and politicians, triggering a whirlwind of competing statements from other National Basketball Association (NBA) executives. The ensuing controversy has hindered the NBA’s lucrative operations in China and challenged the league’s progressive reputation. 

Key Players

The NBA is one of the United States’ four major sports leagues. Known for its progressive politics, it has been elevated to global popularity with the help of star-studded rosters and innovative marketing. The NBA is the most followed sports league in China, and the country accounts for 10% of the league’s revenues. 

Daryl Morey is general manager of the Houston Rockets. Morey joined the franchise in 2007 and has since gained notoriety for his statistical approach to basketball strategy. 

Further Details

On Oct. 4, Morey tweeted an image that read, “Fight for freedom, stand with Hong Kong.” The tweet, which has since been deleted, ignited outrage in China and found NBA executives scrambling to save face. 

Large-scale protests, ignited by an unpopular extradition bill promoted by pro-Chinese elements in the Hong Kong government and legislature, have engulfed Hong Kong since May 2019. The demonstrations have evolved into broader petitions against Chinese encroachment on the semi-autonomous region, returned to Chinese control by the United Kingdom with much fanfare in 1997. China has sought to downplay the protests while increasing its authority over the territory.

Hours after Morey’s tweet, Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta tweeted that Morey “does NOT speak” for the team, which, he added, is “NOT a political organization.” In a brief statement released days later, the NBA apologized on Morey’s behalf, acknowledging that his actions had “deeply offended many of our friends and fans in China.” Morey was not disciplined for his tweet, however. 

Chinese organizations and companies mounted coordinated retribution against the franchise, according to CNN. Tencent, a technology conglomerate, said it would stop streaming Rockets games; the Chinese Basketball Association cut all ties with the team. 

Many U.S. politicians and fans criticized the league for compromising its principles to maintain its bottom line with its tepid response. Democratic presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke, a Texan, tweeted, “The only thing the NBA should be apologizing for is their blatant prioritization of profits over human rights. What an embarrassment.”

Outcome

Commissioner defends Free Speech rights of league members; controversy continues

In a statement to the press on Oct. 8, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver defended the right of players and managers to convey their opinions, CNN reports. “The NBA will not put itself in a position of regulating what players, employees and team owners say or will not say,” Silver insisted. “We simply could not operate that way.” The NBA’s priorities extend beyond profits, Silver added. Following his comments, 11 Chinese businesses severed ties with the league, according to CNN. 

Los Angeles Lakers power forward and NBA superstar LeBron James waded into the controversy at a press conference on Oct. 15, during which he criticized Morey for not being “educated on the situation at hand,” reports Singapore newspaper The Straits Times. James’s comments, which were clarified in a series of follow-up tweets, drew intense criticism from fans and Hong Kong activists.

Conversely, the controversy has also inspired more displays of support for Hong Kong. On Oct. 9, demonstrators chanted pro-Hong Kong slogans at an exhibition match between the Washington Wizards and the Guangzhou Loong-Lions, a Chinese professional team, in Washington, D.C., according to The Washington Post.