The NBA’s ongoing issues with the Chinese government in the wake of Daryl Morey’s Hong Kong tweet aren’t going to go away any time soon. Silver this week offered a somewhat more full-throated support for Morey’s right to free expression, confirming Morey won’t face any discipline.
That declaration came along with public acknowledgement that the Chinese government had, in one way or another, wanted Morey fired. Silver’s newest comments apparently touched another nerve, as the South China Morning Post, reported Saturday that state media issued an editorial promising further retribution for Silver and the NBA.
“Silver has spared no effort to portray himself as a fighter for free speech and used freedom of speech as an excuse to cover for Morey, who voiced his support for the violent actors in Hong Kong,” [CCTV] said. “This has crossed the bottom line of the Chinese people.”
Silver’s handling of the controversy had proved his “double standards”, the broadcaster said, adding that he had “defamed” China on the international stage.
“To please some American politicians, Silver has fabricated lies out of nothing and has sought to paint China as unforgiving,” it said.
The way in which the NBA boss had defended Morey showed he had “problems in his character”, the report said, adding that he “will receive retribution sooner or later”.
