Jeremy Lin condemns racist abuse of ex-NBA star Sonny Weems by Chinese basketball fans – ‘that word carries so much hurt, unfairness and hatred’
- ‘I’ve experienced first-hand what it’s like to be called a Chinaman in a place where I’m considered a foreigner,’ Lin says in Weibo post
- American was repeatedly called the N-word in viral video after Guangdong Southern Tigers’ loss to Liaoning Flying Leopards
Jeremy Lin has condemned the Chinese basketball fans who racially abused American player Sonny Weems after a game last week.
The 33-year-old Lin’s fellow former Toronto Raptors star Weems was subjected to repeated slurs as he exited the team bus after his Guangdong Southern Tigers side’s 102-90 defeat by Liaoning Flying Leopards, who secured top spot in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) standings with the victory.
A video of the incident on January 13 went viral on China’s Twitter-like Weibo social media platform, showing fans with Liaoning jerseys repeatedly calling Weems the N-word.
“I’ve experienced first-hand what it’s like to be called a ‘Chinaman’ in a place where I’m considered a ‘foreigner’. And to be honest, it’s scary when everyone around you doesn’t look like you,” former NBA champion Lin, who now plays with the Beijing Ducks, wrote in a post on Weibo in support of Weems.
“The abuse Weems received really was disrespectful, that word carried so much hurt, unfairness and hatred that I couldn’t put into words.
“I want us to all remember that, as individuals, we should pay attention to what we say. Because every word we say carries its meaning and will have a lot of power and impact. Be cautious.”
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The 35-year-old Weems and Liaoning centre Han Dejun had been ejected from last Thursday’s game after a clash near the Southern Tigers bench on the third quarter. Han had fallen to the floor guarding a drive from Weems.
Han approached the Guangdong bench and punched Weems, according to Chinese media, while the referee was watching a video replay of the incident. Weems retaliated and the two players had to be separated by their teammates and officials.
Han was later suspended by the CBA for seven games and fined 200,000 yuan (US$31, 483), while Weems was suspended for five games and fined 140,000 yuan.
A CBA statement condemned the racist treatment of Weems, saying it had seriously damaged the image of the league and its fans.
“The CBA has a zero-tolerance attitude toward any discriminatory words or deeds, and firmly opposes and severely condemns any racially discriminatory words or deed,” the statement read.
“It is hoped that the majority of the fans and the CBA League will work together to maintain our league’s good environment and demonstrate the warm and friendly spirit of Chinese fans.”
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An open letter from the CBA also called on fans to show tolerance ahead of next month’s Winter Games.
“In three weeks, the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics are about to begin, which will be a new opportunity to show a new era of China to the world,” the letter read.
“Openness, tolerance, self-confidence and peace are the mentality that all Chinese, including CBA fans, need.”
Weems has not publicly addressed the incident, but did post a series of heart emojis on his Weibo page. “Don’t worry, we’ll always support you,” one user replied.
The former Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns star had previously shown his support for the Stop Asian Hate movement.
“Condolences go out to all my Asian brothers and sisters, I’ve met some wonderful people during my time here in Asia and I don’t condone violence towards any race of people!!” Weems wrote on Twitter in March 2021.
