China star Guo Ailun set for CBA return after paying fines for wearing Jordan brand

Liaoning Flying Leopards have won first three games of season despite 27-year-old’s absence

First Chinese-born player signed to Nike’s Jordan imprint reported to have paid reduced US$102,000 for violating dress code

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Guo Ailun of the Liaoning Flying Leopards competes during a match against the Guangzhou Loong Lions in the 2019-2020 Chinese Basketball Association in June, 2020. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 1:31pm, 23 Oct 2021Updated: 10:57pm, 23 Oct 2021

Chinese basketball star Guo Ailun is set to return to Chinese Basketball Association action after missing the first three games of the new CBA season because of unpaid fines.

Guo led the league in fines for violating the dress code in fines handed out last November. The Jordan brand athlete was handed fines totalling 1.15 million yuan (US$174,000) not wearing leaguewide sponsor Li-Ning during the 2019-20 season.

CBA players can pay to be exempted from wearing Li-Ning shoes in matches but they must not wear other brands while travelling to and from their games or during practice.

The Shenyang Daily reported that Guo will be allowed to play after paying a reduced fine of 650,000 yuan (US$102,000), though it is unclear why his penalty was reduced.

Guo Ailun of Liaoning Flying Leopards celebrates a three-point shot during the second game of the CBA Finals against the Guangdong Southern Tigers in April, 2021. Photo: Xinhua

Further reports said that Guo has made a complaint to the Chinese Basketball Association, which is chaired by former NBA star Yao Ming, over the punishment.

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