The Houston Rockets’ home opener included fans who showed up to Toyota Center with shirts and signs supporting Hong Kong.
While the Rockets were in Tokyo, Japan for exhibition games prior to the season, Rockets general manager Daryl Morey posted a tweet with the words “fight for freedom, stand with Hong Kong.” Protests have taken place in Hong Kong in response to an extradition bill that has resulted in many being concerned about the role of the Chinese government.
The backlash from Morey’s tweet came swiftly, which led to him deleting the social media post. On Thursday, the Rockets opened their season at home against the Milwaukee Bucks. In attendance were fans with pro Hong-Kong signs and shirts.
Pro Hong Kong shirts, signs come out during the time out. pic.twitter.com/FOuPIGqDQ7
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) October 25, 2019
More protesters at halftime. pic.twitter.com/oY8TojltvV
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) October 25, 2019
The Rockets reportedly discussed firing Morey over the tweet. Morey has been labeled as uneducated on the subject by a prominent NBA player and backed by one of the league’s top coaches.
This will likely be something that will follow the Rockets throughout the season. It wouldn’t be surprising to see similar scenes at arenas throughout the league as Houston makes its way to all of its away games.
Do you support Free Speech? Do you stand with Daryl Morey? Get a shirt that says so below:
