This archive report was first published on 8 October 2019.
On October 8, 2019, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stated that the organization would not regulate speech and would not apologize for a controversial tweet from a Houston Rockets executive that has sparked a Chinese backlash.
The tweet by the Rockets' general manager Daryl Morey supported pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, infuriating fans in China, a major market for the NBA.
Commissioner Silver emphasized that the NBA would continue to support freedom of expression and the rights of its community members to express their opinions.
"Morey enjoys that right," Silver said, adding that the NBA would not put itself in a position of regulating what players, employees, and team owners say or will not say on these issues.
Despite the controversy, Silver expressed regret that "so many people are upset, including millions and millions of our fans," but maintained that the organization would not apologize for Daryl exercising his freedom of expression.
China has suspended broadcasts of NBA exhibition matches on its state broadcaster and sponsors have cut ties with the Rockets, but Silver stated that the organization would have to "live with those consequences."
He acknowledged that the controversy was having significant consequences, but said that the organization would adhere to its values, even if it meant facing backlash.
