Chinese version of league statement on Rockets GM Daryl Morey tweet significantly different from its English counterpart

In another twist to the controversial firestorm generated by Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey’s infamous deleted tweet supporting Hong Kong protesters, it appears that the NBA statement in Chinese is significantly different from what was released in English.

On the NBA’s Chinese social media account, the language used was harsher than the more tempered response issued by league spokesman Mike Bass.

The NBA said Monday on its official Chinese social media account that it was “extremely disappointed” by Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey’s “inappropriate” tweet about Hong Kong, which “severely hurt the feelings of Chinese fans.”

The Chinese-language post on the Twitter-like Weibo microblogging platform differed from the original statement in English by Chief Communications Officer Mike Bass.

Bass’ original statement does not call Morey’s remarks “inappropriate” nor mention “hurt feelings” — a phrase commonly used by Chinese authorities to describe perceived gaffes by foreign parties. In English, Bass only said it was “regrettable” that Morey’s views “deeply offended” many in China.

The NBA is already receiving backlash from numerous politicians regarding their statement for their purported lack of backbone in dealing with the matter, and this news could lead to even more criticism supporting that accusation.

Morey has been treated as a persona-non-grata of sorts by the Rockets — particularly by owner Tilman Fertitta, the NBA, and later by their own superstar tandem of James Harden and Russell Westbrook — as all parties spoke out in support of China in the midst of his Twitter post during the weekend.

Despite rumors of the successful franchise taskmaster potentially being sacked, it appears his job is safe for now although what becomes of the Rockets’ Chinese presence is still up in the air.

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