Yao defends himself against unfair criticism from China Sports Daily
July 20th, 2007by John
I love how Yao has fought back against the criticism he received a few days ago from the official Chinese sports newspaper — China Sports Daily — about how he had been taking too much personal time before rejoining the Chinese National Team. You know, petty things like getting some rest after his long NBA season ended, attending pre-Beijing Olympic festivities, volunteering for the Special Olympics event and Basketball Without Borders camp, planning his wedding, etc.).
Here’s what Yao said about the matter earlier today:
“I know Chinese law protects people’s right of speech but I feel this is unfair on me. I entered the national team at the age of 18 and have competed for the national team for 10 years. I promise I have played with 100 per cent focus every year. The team are witnesses to my improvement and also my commitment.”
“I had a talk with the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) about the time of return and also my shoulder injury, so I am not doing things at random. I cancelled my surgery because I don’t want to let it hamper the team’s preparation for the Beijing Olympics.”
“I won’t be bothered by the report, I know there is only one goal for me and them - the Olympics.”
Good work, Yao.
Of course, China Sports Daily backtracked after catching alot of heat themselves after that article by writing, “What Yao learned from the NBA is not only basketball skills but also the true meaning of professionalism, and this is why he can always report to the national team as soon as possible.”
To read the entire article about Yao’s response, click here.
July 20th, 2007 at 2:27 pm
I figured this would happen. The newspaper got carried away, treated their superstar like a child, fans all support Yao and not the “minister of sports” or whatever they have over there, and then newspaper backs off in a few days.
July 21st, 2007 at 9:02 pm
i thought yao is 27, dob 9/12/80? is he saying that he’s 28 as his Chinese age?
I think he’s just rounding up. He said he started with the national team at 18 and has been with them for 10 years (probably around 9 1/2 years). — John
July 23rd, 2007 at 11:28 pm
If there is any party who should complain about Yao’s commitment to basketball, it should be the Rockets. They are the organization which makes the fame and fortune for Yao. Of course, Yao works hard , too. However, the Rockets can never plan some special training for Yao to correct his weaknesses of the game in the off season. It is because, Yao has to report to China right after the season. If Yao had been properly trained according to the wish of the Rockets, he should have been 25 and 12 two seasons ago. By now, he should have been something like 30 and 15. Frankly speaking, he underachieves because of the intervention of the China Team. Yes, you give birth to a son , bring him up and educate him. But you do not expect your son to be your prisoner or slave. You should feel happy if he is successful in a certain area. Stop behaving negatively, please.
July 26th, 2007 at 9:46 am
Disagree with jeff: Fame and fortune is mutually gained by Yao and Rockets and NBA at large. You may not have an idea how NFL is jealous about the NBA market share in China, as my friend working for NFL described. Like everyone of us working for an organization, we are rewarded for what we contribute to the org. Yao does have weaknesses, which some think a lot and others think few. To have special training for Yao is an excellent idea, but do not forget JVG never wanted anyone to train Yao except his own staffs. Not until JVG was fired that Yao got a chance working with the Dream and Dawson. Yao is playing multiple roles: as a professional NBA player and a National team player and many more as many of us are. If Yao values his roles in China’s National team, I don’t think it should be a problem for Rockets fans. As one of million Chinese fans who totally disagree with what the Sports Daily charged Yao, I think a piece of shit journal written by a heartless writer should not separate China’s National Team fans and Rockets fans.
July 27th, 2007 at 5:20 pm
Why my posting was deleted. You have a cencer here?
I didn’t approve it until just now. Sorry, I get dozens of spam comments each day and it’s hard to sift through all of them and find the legitimate ones and approve them. It’s approved now. — John
July 29th, 2007 at 3:02 pm
My appologies to you, John. I was a little bit impatient. Thanks for the great work.
July 30th, 2007 at 8:08 am
As far as Yao’s age 27 versus 28 he could be rounding up, but I think it’s more likely that he is counting the 9 months in the womb as a year. It’s a East Asian thing. When born you’re already “one year old.”