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While playing in China, American basketball star Sonny Weems was exposed to racial insults from supporters.
Fans can be heard continuously yelling the “N” word and “get out of China” at 35-year-old Weems, who plays for the Guangdong Southern Tigers in the Chinese Basketball Association.
Last Thursday’s game between the Southern Tigers and the Liaoning Flying Leopards ended in an incident. During the game, Weems and Chinese player Han Dejun got into a brawl, which resulted in both players being expelled.
In the footage, Weems and the rest of the squad are seen departing the team bus when a swarm of supporters can be heard chanting racist comments. Weems seemed to be oblivious to the audience.
The CBA stated in a statement on Friday that it had a “zero-tolerance stance toward any discriminatory comments or acts,” and in an open letter to fans, it requested them not to engage in “uncivilized conduct” or “vulgar remarks.”
“Whether on or off the field, supporters should watch the game in a civilized manner, respect each other, and should not do anything that harms the team’s reputation,” the letter states.
Both clubs denounced the supporters’ actions, with the Flying Leopards stating the statements badly harmed the Guangdong squad and harmed the league’s and fans’ reputation.
“Respect for the opponent is a basic trait that every player should possess, and it is also a basic prerequisite for a qualified supporter,” according to the team’s statement.
Taiwanese-American athlete Jeremy Lin expressed his support for Weems on his Weibo profile, writing: “The abuse Weems received truly was rude, that phrase held so much grief, injustice, and anger that I couldn’t put into words.”
Fans have also sent messages of encouragement on Weems’ Weibo profile. “Love and peace. “We will always be there for you,” one said, while another added, “I’m sorry.” Are you okay now? We will always be there for you and support you.”
