China has suspended its relationship with the NBA’s Houston Rockets after the team’s general manager sent a tweet supporting the Hong Kong protests over the weekend.
Daryl Morey’s since-deleted tweet read, “Fight for Freedom. Stand with Hong Kong" in reference to increasingly violent protests over the state’s autonomy.
Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta denounced Morey’s comments.
“Listen....@dmorey does NOT speak for the @HoustonRockets. Our presence in Tokyo is all about the promotion of the @NBA internationally and we are NOT a political organization.”
Sportswear brand Li-Ning also announced it would no longer work with the Rockets.
“We want to express our indignation and strong condemnation,” read a statement from Li-Ning, published on the Twitter-like Weibo platform. “We have already stopped our cooperation with the Houston Rockets, and continue to urge them to give a clear answer on this matter.”
China’s SDP Bank also said it had suspended related marketing activities and publicity.
“SPD Bank Credit Card Center expresses strong protest and opposition to the wrong remarks made by Houston Rockets’ General Manager Daryl Morey,” the bank said in a statement on its Weibo account.
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