Jeremy Lin ‘saddened’ by coronavirus-related racism in US; warns against ‘fear and ignorance’
- NBA champion writes emotional Instagram post praising ‘real heroes working around the clock in service to others’
- CBA star tells fans ‘life’s too short’ after deaths of teammates Kobe Bryant and Ji Zhe, along with friend Godfrey Gao
In a post on Instagram over the weekend, Lin addressed the past 12 months in a 270-word post he “felt very strongly about”.
“I’ve lived in China this past season and now being back on US soil, I’m saddened by the racist comments regarding the virus in China. There are real people suffering and real heroes working around the clock in service to others – please don’t let your fear or ignorance rob you of seeing that,” he wrote.
“This world needs more compassion and empathy.”
Lin moved to the CBA’s Beijing Ducks at the start of the season after lifting the NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors, but the upheaval has been more than that, as Lin recalled. He referenced the loss of good friend Godfrey Gao, the death of Beijing Ducks captain Ji Zhe, and the helicopter crash that killed Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others a week ago.
“Time flies and life is a blur,” his post began. “As I sit back and reflect, all I can say is this past year has been so crazy. The NBA and China’s relationship soured, my friend Godfrey suddenly died filming on set, last year’s Beijing Ducks captain G-Man was diagnosed w a terminal disease midseason and passed away, the coronavirus became a global health emergency, and Kobe/Gianna/7 others passed away in a tragic accident.”
Lin, who had paid tribute to former teammate Kobe Bryant in an earlier post, is back in the US after the CBA postponed the league in response to the virus, which started in Wuhan and has since spread globally.
“The CBA season’s been postponed indefinitely and I’m on standby, training and staying ready if the season resumes.
“Since last summer I haven’t had much to say on social media, but I felt very strongly about this post.
“Today isn’t guaranteed. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. Nothing in life is guaranteed. Live life to the fullest, pursue the best version of yourself. If you aren’t content along the journey, you won’t be content at your destination.
“I learned this lesson the hard way. Find joy, find purpose, find truth. Love radically, serve generously.
“Life is too short and too precious for time to be wasted.”
Jeremy Lin pays tribute to Godfrey Gao ahead of All-Star game
Lin’s post got 170,000 likes and 2,400 comments, which were overwhelmingly positive.
The former NBA star has quickly become a fan favourite in China and has been lauded for his charity drive, where he and the Beijing Ducks donate 3,000 yuan (nearly US$430) for every three-pointer he makes this season.
