NBA commissioner Adam Silver has clarified his comments on Rockets general manager Daryl Morey's controversial tweet that showed support for protesters in Hong Kong.
"I recognize our initial statement left people angered, confused or unclear on who we are or what the NBA stands for. Let me be more clear," Silver said in a statement released Tuesday.
Silver said earlier in the day in Tokyo that the league is “apologetic” and "regrets" that Chinese officials and fans were upset by Morey's now-deleted tweet in which he commented: "Fight for Freedom. Stand with Hong Kong."
Silver also said Morey had a right to freedom of expression.
“I’m sympathetic to our interests here and our partners that are upset," Silver initially said before clarifying his remarks. "I don’t think it’s inconsistent on one hand to be sympathetic to them and at the same time stand by our principles."
The NBA's response left many angry, including Chinese officials. China's state broadcaster CCTV canceled plans to air two NBA preseason games in response to how the NBA handled the situation.
"We're strongly dissatisfied and oppose Adam Silver's claim to support Morey's right to freedom of expression," the CCTV 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."
Silver clarified, in part:"Over the last three decades, the NBA has developed a great affinity for the people of China. We have seen how basketball can be an important form of people-to-people exchange that deepens ties between the United States and China.
"At the same time, we recognize that our two countries have different political systems and beliefs. And like many global brands, we bring our business to places with different political systems around the world.
"But for those who question our motivation, 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. As an American-based basketball league operating globally, among our greatest contributions are these values of the game."
Silver plans to go to Shanghai on Wednesday to meet with Chinese Basketball Association president Yao Ming and other officials in hopes of reaching "some sort of common ground."
"It is inevitable that people around the world — including from America and China — will have different viewpoints over different issues. It is not the role of the NBA to adjudicate those differences," Silver's latest statement continued.
"However, the NBA will not put itself in a position of regulating what players, employees and team owners say or will not say on these issues. We simply could not operate that way."
Morey apologized for his tweet Sunday as he wrote, in part: "I did not intend my tweet to cause any offense to Rockets fans and friends of mine in China. ... I was merely voicing one thought, based on one interpretation, of one complicated event. I have had a lot of opportunity since that tweet to hear and consider other perspectives."
NBA teams have been playing exhibition games in Asia, including the Rockets, Lakers and Nets. The Rockets are gearing up to play two games in Japan, while the Lakers and Nets will face off Thursday in Shanghai and Saturday in Shenzhen, China.
"Basketball runs deep in the hearts and minds of our two peoples," Silver said. "At a time when divides between nations grow deeper and wider, we believe sports can be a unifying force that focuses on what we have in common as human beings rather than our differences."