Chinese basketball fans racially abused US basketball player Sonny Weems
American basketball player Sonny Weems has been subjected to racial abuse from fans while playing in China. In a video circulating on social media, fans can repeatedly be heard shouting 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.
The incident happened after the Southern Tigers' game against the Liaoning Flying Leopards last Thursday. During the game, a fight broke out between Weems and Chinese player Han Dejun, resulting in both players being ejected.
In the video, Weems is seen exiting the team bus and the rest when fans can be heard yelling racist slurs. Weems appears to ignore the crowd.
In a statement on Friday, the CBA said it has a "zero-tolerance attitude toward any discriminatory words or deeds," and in an open letter to fans asked them not to engage in "uncivilized behaviour" and "vulgar words."
"Whether on or off the field, fans should watch the game in a civilized manner, respect each other, do not do anything that damages the reputation of the team," reads the letter. Both teams also condemned the behaviour of the fans, with the Flying Leopards saying the words seriously hurt the Guangdong team and damage the image of the league and fans.
"Respect for the opponent is a basic quality that every player should have, and it is also a basic requirement for a qualified fan," reads the team's statement.
I reached out to Weems but did not immediately receive a response. He also hasn't publicly commented about the abuse on his Twitter or Instagram accounts but did post emojis of hearts in a rainbow of different colours on Weibo.
Taiwanese-American player Jeremy Lin offered Weems his support via social media, writing on his Weibo page: "The abuse Weems received was disrespectful, that word carried so much hurt, unfairness and hatred that I couldn't put into words."
On Weems' Weibo profile, fans have also left messages of support. "Peace and Love. We will always be behind you," said one, while another wrote: "I'm sorry. Are you alright now? We always support you and stay here with you."
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