With the Chinese celebrating their New Year, a couple of NBA players sent their good wishes to the people of China in a video produced by Tencent, a Chinese media company.
The video took a terrible turn, though, as it appears that J.J. Redick of the Philadelphia 76ers said:
“I just wanted to wish all the NBA ch**k fans of China a very happy Chinese New Year”
After someone pointed out what was said in the video Redick instantly went to Twitter to apologize.
“Just saw a video that is being circulated of me wishing a happy new year to NBA fans in China. Clearly I was tongue tied, as the word I purportedly said is not in my vocabulary. I’m disappointed that anyone would think I would use that word. I love & respect our friends in China.”
Later on in the day Redick went onto Twitter yet again and tried to explain what happened in more detail and apologize once again to anyone he offended.
https://twitter.com/JJRedick/status/965443290324664320
Since the incident, Redick has received a lot of support around the NBA, and Jeremy Lin took to Twitter to voice his support for the 76ers star.
“I spoke with JJ on the phone today for a long time. I truley believe he didn't say a racial slur and that he has a great deal of respect towards Chinese People. I also reached out to Adam Silver and David Shoemaker. Everyone Knows this word should never be used in referring to Chinese people and everyone is commiteed to Chinese fans being treated with the equality and respect they deserve.
Being Chinese is important to me and I will do everything I can to work with the NBA to help continue teach fans about the depth and beauty of Chinese culture and the importance of China to basketball culture. To the fans, I encourage you to not use hateful language towards the NBA and JJ. Hope everyone continues to have a Happy Chinese New Year!”
Hopefully, this can be a learning opportunity for Redick and the fans of the NBA, and that something good will come out of it.
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