On China, James makes rare misstep
Criticism of Hong Kong tweet embarrasses him, NBA
LeBron James embarrassed himself Monday night, saying Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey was “misinformed” and “not educated” when he recently supported Hong Kong protesters on social media.
It was the biggest gaffe in James’ carefully managed career. (Yes, even bigger than the illfated “taking my talents to South Beach” announcement.)
Frankly put, it was his remarks that were ignorant.
The regrettable episode happened before Monday night’s preseason tipoff with the Warriors, and after James’ Lakers team returned from a twogame exhibition with the Nets in China.
“When you’re misinformed or you’re not educated about something, and I’m just talking about the tweet itself, you never know the ramifications that can happen,” said James.
True words. Except they apply to James, not Morey. The NBA icon then took out his shovel and kept digging.
“Yes, we all do have freedom of speech. But at times, there are ramifications for the negative that can happen when you’re not thinking about others and you’re only thinking about yourself. I don’t want to get into a feud with Daryl Morey, but I believe he wasn’t educated on the situation at hand and he spoke.
“So many people could have been harmed — not only financially, but physically, emotionally, spiritually. Just be careful about what we tweet, what we say and what we do. Yes, we do have freedom of
speech, but there can be a lot of negative that comes with that, too.”
Oh, my. It’s hard to fathom where James was coming from. Perhaps he hasn’t followed the protests in Hong Kong for the past five months, where millions have taken to the streets in opposition to growing authoritarian concerns from mainland China. He may take notice now, with protesters burning his jersey in the streets Tuesday.
More likely, James was parroting the NBA’s misguided reaction to Morey’s original Tweet.
In case you missed it, Morey’s Oct. 4 message was: “Fight for Freedom. Stand for Hong Kong.” The MIT graduate sadly took back the tweet and apologized for it soon afterward, hoping to mitigate any possible damage to the NBA’s lucrative ties to China. It didn’t work. Chinese businesses have backed away from the NBA, albeit partially, and the government renounced the prodemocracy message.
Since then, it’s been a parade of embarrassment for the NBA, a league normally known to be this country’s most progressive. Instead of standing up for human rights and democracy, the league and its commissioner, Adam Silver, have tried to soothe their angry Chinese business partners with wishywashy PR.
Silver has been a fantastic commissioner. A true advocate for the sport who supports players’ rights and their freedom of speech. But when it comes to China, he’s in the impossible position of protecting the league’s interests, which could surpass $4 billion in value, according to Forbes.
That’s a tough spot, but Silver has been trying to walk the line. So far he’s managed to anger fans in both the U.S. and China — along with the Chinese government, Chinese industry and his own players. He’s paying the price of doing big business with an authoritarian regime. Such globalist ambitions will grow increasingly difficult for all corporations plying their trade in an increasingly populist, fascist and nationalist world.
Silver reportedly met with the Lakers and Nets in Shanghai last week, during their trip, to discuss the Morey controversy. Reportedly, they were angry about being stuck in the middle. Perhaps that explains James’ ridiculous remarks.
“I think when we talk about the political side, I think it’s a very delicate situation. Very sensitive situation,” said James on Monday. “For me personally, if any of you guys know me or always cover me, you guys know when I speak about something, I speak about something I’m very knowledgeable about.” Until now. For the most part, James has been an exemplary player, spokesman and financial engine for the NBA throughout his career. He’s done great things in business and philanthropy.
But on this issue, he’s dead wrong. And Morey was spot on.
The NBA — including its players and executives — should stand behind free speech, human rights, democracy, the right to protest and be heard. Instead, it’s shamed itself chasing Chinese lucre.
Consider the words of Boston Celtics center Enes Kanter in response to James. He is a Turkish dissident who has been exiled by his country’s authoritarian government, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Here’s what Kanter tweeted Monday night:
“Haven’t seen or talked to my family 5 years Jailed my dad My siblings can’t find jobs Revoked my passport International arrest warrant My family can’t leave the country Got Death Threats everyday Got attacked, harassed Tried to kidnap me in Indonesia
FREEDOM IS NOT FREE”
Those are some powerful words from a man who knows what it’s like to fight against true oppression. Informed and educated, I’d say.
The NBA should heed those words and stop this pathetic dance. The league should stand up and stay woke.
Bowing for billions is a bad look. Freedom — and principles — are not free.
Al Saracevic is the sports editor of The San Francisco Chronicle. Email: asaracevic@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @alsaracevic