The NBA has taken serious criticism after drawing some short-lived praise when Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey tweeted out a since-deleted image that read, “Fight for freedom, stand with Hong Kong.” The league was quick to emphasize that Morey's comments were his own, pointing to his immediate two-tweet apology — something U.S. senators have seen as an act of cowardice in the benefit of their own business interests.
Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) was one of the first to point out the issue, calling it “shameful” for the NBA to retreat after China pulled out plenty of sponsors from the Rockets, including stopping the broadcast of its games altogether.
“It’s clear that the NBA is more interested in money than human rights. Tonight’s statement from Commissioner Silver is an absolute joke,” Scott tweeted in reference to Adam Silver.
“The NBA is kowtowing to Beijing to protect their bottom line and disavowing those with the temerity to #standwithHongKong. Shameful!”
Matters were no different for the Democratic party, as Texas' own Beto O'Rourke called it an “embarrassment” for one of the most progressive leagues to bow down for the sake of its business interests.
“The only thing the NBA should be apologizing for is their blatant prioritization of profits over human rights,” the former Texas representative tweeted. “What an embarrassment.”
The NBA has been known to allow their athletes to voice their opinions in politics and non-sports matters, but it seems the same courtesy isn't being extended to Morey in this instance, as it's costing the league millions in future revenue with China, along with a longstanding partnership with the country.
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