After Daryl Morey Tweet Backlash, LeBron James Says Executive Was Misinformed on China

“For me personally, I’ve always been welcomed with open arms,” he said. “I’ve been to China probably over 15 to 20 times, and the main reason I’ve always wanted to go back to China is because of the game of basketball. The game of basketball has brought people together in so many different facets, in so many different countries — people you would never, ever expect.”

Almost as quickly as his news conference was finished, James was the subject of widespread backlash on social media. Senator Rick Scott, Republican of Florida, was among those who weighed in on Twitter: “It’s sad to see him join the chorus kowtowing to Communist China putting profits over human rights for #HongKong.”

About an hour after his news conference, James began some damage control of his own on Twitter.

“Let me clear up the confusion,” he wrote in one of his posts, referring to his take on Morey’s tweet. “I do not believe there was any consideration for the consequences and ramifications of the tweet. I’m not discussing the substance. Others can talk about that.”

On Tuesday in Hong Kong, about 100 basketball fans stood on a court in the Wan Chai neighborhood, thanking Daryl Morey for his support at an event they called “Stand with Morey.”

Some fans burned James jerseys. Others shot basketballs at a hoop with a picture of James taped to the backboard. Others created memes with his picture.

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/14/sports/basketball/lebron-james-china.html?emc=rss&partner=rss