Harden apologizes after Rockets GM angers fans in China
Houston Rockets star James Harden attempted to mediate the growing divide between the team and fans in China after a now-deleted tweet by general manager Daryl Morey supported protesters in Hong Kong.
“We apologize. You know, we love China, we love playing there," Harden said on Monday alongside teammate Russell Westbrook in Tokyo, Japan, according to The Associated Press. "For both of us individually, we go there once or twice a year. They show us the most important love.
"We appreciate them as a fan base. We love everything there about them and we appreciate the support that they give us individually and as an organization."
Morey posted a graphic Friday to his personal Twitter account that contained the caption "Fight For Freedom Stand With Hong Kong." Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta quickly denounced Morey's tweet, stating the team was an apolitical organization, though numerous high-profile Chinese organizations, including the country's lead basketball association, announced they would be indefinitely suspending their relationship with the franchise in response.
The backlash continued Monday when the Chinese Basketball Association canceled scheduled games this month involving the Rockets' and Dallas Mavericks' G League affiliates that would have taken place in China, sources told The Athletic's Shams Charania.
Morey broke his silence on the matter Sunday, explaining he did not intend to offend Chinese fans.
2/ I have always appreciated the significant support our Chinese fans and sponsors have provided and I would hope that those who are upset will know that offending or misunderstanding them was not my intention. My tweets are my own and in no way represent the Rockets or the NBA.
— Daryl Morey (@dmorey) October 7, 2019
The NBA later released its own statement in which it expressed regret over the tweet from the Rockets general manager. Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai - a native of Taiwan who also serves as the executive vice chairman of Chinese conglomerate Alibaba - then issued an open letter on Facebook attempting to explain the animosity shown by Chinese fans in response to the incident.
While initial reports suggested the Rockets could reprimand Morey, the 47-year-old executive is no longer expected to be punished for the tweet.
Hong Kong citizens have been engaged in months-long protests against their government which have drawn international attention due to their scale and violent clashes with local law enforcement. The demonstrations were first orchestrated as a response to a bill that would have allowed the autonomous region to extradite its citizens to mainland China but have since evolved to also express dissent toward police brutality in the territory.