NBA's Silver Says China Issue Is About More Than Business

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver continues to deal with fallout from Daryl Morey's tweet, addressing criticism that his earlier response to the controversy "deferred too much to Beijing's views." In a statement issued in Japan today shortly before a Rockets-Raptors exhibition, Silver said the NBA’s initial response had left people “angered, confused or unclear on who we are.” He also "rejected criticism that the NBA deferred to China out of concern for its business interests there." Silver: "This is about far more than growing our business. Values of equality, respect and freedom of expression have long defined the NBA -- and will continue to do so" (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 10/8).

Silver subsequently said that he is "still planning to go to China" tomorrow for the Nets-Lakers contests. This comes as Chinese smartphone maker Vivo "joined other businesses" in saying that it will "suspend its business with the NBA over Morey's comments and the NBA's reaction." Vivo had been a sponsor for the Nets-Lakers exhibitions (AP, 10/8).