We’re strongly dissatisfied and oppose Adam Silver’s claim to support Morey’s right to freedom of expression,” CCTV ( China TV) said in a statement. “We believe that any remarks that challenge national sovereignty and social stability are not within the scope of freedom of speech.”
“I think as a values-based organization that I want to make it clear … that Daryl Morey is supported in terms of his ability to exercise his freedom of expression,” he said. “What I also tried to suggest is that I understand there are consequences from his freedom of speech, and we will have to live with those consequences.”
Sam Wachs and his wife attended the game at the Wells Fargo Center on Tuesday evening, where they held signs that read “Free Hong Kong.” Security quickly confiscated their signs and asked them to leave the stadium, at which point they started yelling that same slogan.
Fox Business News Anchor Charles Payne said that there needs to be a distinction between "Chinese people" and the "Chinese communist government."
He explained further that while the Chinese people love the NBA, the communist government is trying to justify what they’re doing in Hong Kong by vilifying Morey and the most popular sport in the country, the NBA.
"Maybe the NBA could grow a spine right now," said Payne, as NBA Commissioner Adam Silver prepares to travel to Shanghai.