
Newsweek
It was a tweet heard around the world.
Earlier this week, Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey unwittingly ignited a firestorm when he shared a since-deleted tweet, "Fight for freedom, stand with Hong Kong," in response to pro-justice protests that have been taking place in the region since June.
The backlash in China—where roughly 800 million people are reported to have consumed NBA content during the 2018-19 season—has been swift and significant. Chinese broadcast partners are refusing to air NBA games, Rockets merchandise has been pulled off shelves and league community events in the country have been canceled.
The incident also reignited an important discussion here in the United States about free speech and the role and power of leaders in sports to shape the discussion around important social issues in our country and around the world.