Jordan brand’s Guo Ailun sits out CBA game amid Xinjiang cotton row

Nike-sponsored Chinese Basketball Association and chairman Yao Ming are yet to speak out on growing controversy

China star, who became Jordan’s first Chinese athlete in 2017, was named on the roster ahead of game between Liaoning and Jilin on Friday

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Guo Ailun (No 13) in action for the Liaoning Flying Leopards in the Chinese Basketball Association finals in August, 2020. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 11:21am, 27 Mar 2021Updated: 11:21am, 27 Mar 2021

Guo Ailun, the first Chinese player to sign to the Jordan brand, sat out the Chinese Basketball Association game between Liaoning and Jilin on Friday despite being named on the roster.

His absence for last season’s runners-up comes amid the continuing controversy around Xinjiang cotton that has seen many Chinese celebrities step away from endorsements with brands such as Nike and Adidas.

While coach Yang Ming said after the game that Guo was injured there was no injury announcement before tip-off and it has been speculated that his absence was due to his endorsement deal.

The basketball star, who scored 13 points for the North in the CBA All-Star game last weekend, signed for Nike’s Jordan brand in 2017, becoming the first Chinese-born player to do so.

“We’re excited to welcome Guo to the Jordan Family,” Michael Jordan said at the time.

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“From his competitive spirit and style of play on the court to his strong personality off the court, he’s a great fit for the brand. We look forward to Guo representing the game, Jordan Brand, and ultimately himself in Greater China.”

“Joining the Jordan Brand family is a dream come true,” Guo said on signing.