Editorial | Sport loses out when politics enters play
- Comments by Houston Rockets’ general manager in support of Hong Kong protests have cost the team dear among Chinese fans and sponsors
American athletes have a long history of making political statements on and off the sports field. Daryl Morey, general manager of the Houston Rockets basketball team, followed that tradition when, in a comment on social media, he showed support for the Hong Kong protests.
The backlash from those on the mainland and opponents of violence was immediate and harsh, with fans turning on him and sponsors ending their support for the team. No apology or expression of regret can repair the damage caused.
Morey said the views expressed were his own and he now thought them to be hasty and ill-conceived. After having time to reflect “and consider other perspectives”, he said he had not intended to cause offence.
The post was subsequently deleted from his account, and the Rockets and US National Basketball Association distanced themselves from his remarks.
But just as fans are passionate about their sport and the games gone by, Chinese are equally patriotic towards their nation and keenly aware of its history of foreign domination and occupation.