Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James criticized Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey on Monday, calling him “misinformed” about the ramifications of his now-infamous Hong Kong tweet.
Morey’s Twitter post set the NBA and White House on fire last week, as he tweeted his support of the Hong Kong citizens in their defiance of the Chinese government. But Morey did this just as James and the Lakers landed in China for a preseason game. Morey’s post was deleted soon after it was posted.
Back in the United States, James was asked whether Morey should have been reprimanded for his actions by the NBA:
“We all talk about this freedom of speech. 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,” James, 34, said during a press conference that was attended by the likes of ESPN and CNN.
“I don’t want to get into a word or sentence feud with Daryl Morey, but I believe he wasn’t educated on the situation at hand, and he spoke. And so many people could have been harmed, not only financially, but physically, emotionally, spiritually.”
James added that Morey could have swallowed his words for another week until the NBA players returned home and out of harm’s way.
James’ criticism of the Rockets boss incited a powerful backlash from multiple quadrants, including Sen. Rick Scott.
Clearly @KingJames is the one who isn’t educated on the situation at hand.
It’s sad to see him join the chorus kowtowing to Communist China & putting profits over human rights for #HongKong. I was there 2 weeks ago. They’re fighting for freedom & the autonomy they were promised. https://t.co/tVI1XB7g6I
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) October 15, 2019
Multiple other Republicans and Democrats sided with Morey’s advocacy of democracy in Hong Kong.
The blowback was intense enough to prompt James to further explain his words on Twitter:
My team and this league just went through a difficult week. I think people need to understand what a tweet or statement can do to others. And I believe nobody stopped and considered what would happen. Could have waited a week to send it.
— LeBron James (@KingJames) October 15, 2019
Let me clear up the confusion. I do not believe there was any consideration for the consequences and ramifications of the tweet. I’m not discussing the substance. Others can talk About that.
— LeBron James (@KingJames) October 15, 2019
