Among the numerous corporations and organizations taking political stances amid the ongoing, liberal outcry, the NBA has censored fans from freedom of speech in customizing jerseys for purchase. In keeping with their policy on political statements, the official online store of the NBA does not permit fans to order a custom jersey with the phrase “Free Hong Kong” printed on the back, YET had no ban on messages such as “Black Lives Matter” or “Defund the Police” among many others…UNTIL David Hookstead called-out the despicable policy.
Typing “Free Hong Kong” into the text box on the NBA store’s custom jersey page returns the following message: “We are unable to customize this item with the text you have entered. Please try a different entry.”
Here is audio of the NBA store telling me I can't buy a FreeHongKong jersey, but I can buy a KillCops jersey.
Eventually, once they realized what was happening, they claimed they couldn't sell me anything because of high call volume and system error. pic.twitter.com/S9bdj9xgXU
— David Hookstead (@dhookstead) July 13, 2020
Here are some of the phrases that don’t receive such a warning:
- F—K HONG KONG
- DEFUND POLICE
- ABOLISH COPS
- BEWARE OF JEWS
- SNEAKY JEWS
- BAN GYPSIES
- XI FOR LIFE
- CANCEL ISRAEL
- NINE 11 HOAX
- END TAIWAN
- ENSLAVE TIBET
- TRUMP HAS AIDS
- PENCE IS GAY
- UYGHURS LIE
As reported by The Washington Free Beacon.
Donald Trump Jr. was quick to condemn the NBA on Twitter:
The NBA really loves their communist overlords.
NBA Store Allows 'Defund Police,' 'Beware of Jews' on Custom Jerseys, But Not 'Free Hong Kong' https://t.co/J7dkuu0IVn
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) July 13, 2020
A number of NBA players, including LeBron James, have offered public support for ESPN reporter Adrian Wojnarowski, who was recently suspended from the network after writing “F—k you” in response to a press release from Sen. Josh Hawley (R., Mo.). The press release was regarding a letter Hawley had written to NBA commissioner Adam Silver questioning the league’s new jersey policy and its censorship of messages critical of China.
Then, just hours after the call from David Hookstead, the NBA changed its policy no longer creating/selling “KillCops” and “FuckPolice” jerseys. Hard to believe that before the call there was nothing stopping anyone from purchasing both. What is the NBA’s excuse for why it was ever allowed?
BREAKING: The @NBA is no longer creating/selling "KillCops" and "FuckPolice" jerseys after I called and asked for one.
Just a few hours ago, there was nothing stopping anyone from purchasing both.
What is the NBA's excuse for why it was ever allowed? pic.twitter.com/Lth0i8ecdS
— David Hookstead (@dhookstead) July 13, 2020
Of course, the NBA doesn’t dare offend the paymasters in Beijing!