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However, when multiple news reports stated on Monday that James had written an essay for a Communist, state-controlled daily news outlet, it sparked criticism in Hong Kong and the U.S. Despite James’ name being attached to the story, two sources close to James confirmed that he did not submit an essay to People’s Daily. Instead, he conducted group interviews with reporters in the two cities he visited. Those sources stated that the words attributed to James in the article were accurate, but they were not exclusive to any news outlet. They were not submitted to anyone as an essay or opinion editorial.
Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., on Wednesday pushed for NBA commissioner Adam Silver to testify before Congress after the league replied to a letter he'd sent earlier this month regarding the protection of players who publicly criticize Communist China. In the letter to Silver, Hawley asked why the league was allowing players to wear certain political messages on their jerseys while disallowing anything critical of the CCP. "Conspicuously missing from the list of approved phrases are any in support of the victims of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), including the people of Hong Kong, whose remaining freedoms are being extinguished by the CCP’s newly-enacted national security law," he wrote. "Given the NBA’s troubled history of excusing and apologizing for the brutal repression of the Chinese Communist regime, these omissions are striking. Last October, you no doubt recall, you chose to apologize to the CCP after Daryl Morey, General Manager of the Houston Rockets, spoke up on behalf of the Hong Kong protestors.
A U.S. Senator is demanding answers from NBA commissioner Adam Silver on his league’s relationship with China. In a letter sent Tuesday to Silver, Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) expressed “concern” over the NBA’s dealings with a country governed by a Communist regime that has abused human rights, squashed pro-democracy protests and hidden details on the coronavirus outbreak. Sports Illustrated obtained a copy of the two-page letter.
But my favorite Shaq moment revolves around a question he once asked me. “What country are you from?” he said. “Mexico? Puerto Rico?” No,” I said. “I will give you a few hints _ Communist island country, starts with a C, bearded dictator.” “Chile?” he asked.
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Can you hear me now?:Jason relays his experiences in Asia with his blog on HoopsHype.com. With millions of followers throughout the world, his Asian Diaries gives an inside look into the world of basketball through his eyes. He cleverly laments stories about what the sport is like in Communist-based China and in Japan- game days are very different than what Americans are used to as it’s not uncommon to have tea served at games, smoking is tolerated and you probably won’t hear Zombie Nation. But his messaging doesn’t end there. He understands that his typical locker-room pep talk and motivational anecdotes won’t be helpful in his situation. Coach shares that “sometimes I use their culture as inspiration, like incorporating Sun Tzu’s The Art of War to help motivate my players”; who would imagine using a classic piece of written work to get your team psyched to play?
Jason Rabedeaux: Because China is so totally obsessed with the NBA, each team tries to obtain the biggest name possible… Last year, for example, former NBA’ers Stephon Marbury, Donnell Harvey, Rodney White, David Harrison, Sean Williams and Smush Parker dotted CBA rosters. Late in the year there was talk of Allen Iverson joining the league. Chinese teams will pay big money to attract this type of talent, but as many players quickly find out, nothing is guaranteed in China and contracts can be broken in a heartbeat. When dealing with a Communist-based country, proceed with caution.
