For every action, there’s a reaction.
Boston Celtics center Enes Kanter’s latest comments about Chinese President Xi Jinping has significant consequences.
Kanter sent a pro-Tibet message on Social Media on Wednesday . Kanter also wore “Free Tibet” on his sneakers during the Celtics/Knicks season opener. Kanter called Xi a “brutal dictator.”
“My message to the Chinese government is free Tibet. Tibet belongs to Tibetans, I am here to add my voice and speak out against what is happening in Tibet under the Chinese government’s brutal rule,” he said.
He added:
“I say, ‘Shame on the Chinese government.’ The Chinese dictatorship is erasing Tibetan identity and culture.”
Dear Brutal Dictator XI JINPING and the Chinese Government
Tibet belongs to the Tibetan people!#FreeTibet pic.twitter.com/To4qWMXK56
— Enes FREEDOM (@EnesFreedom) October 20, 2021
According to the New York Times, following Kanter’s message, Chinese streaming giant Tencent Sports reportedly said it would not stream Celtics games anymore.
Boston Celtics games were pulled from the Chinese internet after Enes Kanter, a center on the team, said on social media that Xi Jinping, China's leader, was a "brutal dictator." https://t.co/0QKKINfkBv
— The New York Times (@nytimes) October 21, 2021
Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., was among those who supported Kanter.
This is exactly right @EnesKanter. Thank you for your courage and willingness to use your platform to stand up to General Secretary Xi!
When we all stand up together, we act as the voice for Tibetans living under the oppression and abuses of communist rule in Beijing. https://t.co/AQZd2STl3B
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) October 21, 2021
Kanter is always speaking his mind, even if it upsets an entire nation.
You have to respect him speaking his truth.
Welcome to the game outside the game! Follow us on our Sideaction Twitter handle, Instagram, and Facebook for the latest on sports and pop culture news across the web!
🔥 Hot from Side Action 🔥
- Lala Anthony Blames Knicks for the ‘Demise of their Relationship’
- Ja Morant Being Linked to Singer Lotto’s Sister Brooklyn
- Rumor: Instagram Model ‘Ayyyejae’ Connected to Phoenix Suns Is Now Pregnant by NBA Player
- Rumor: Jalen Rose Spotted With New Girlfriend Angela Rye
- Spurs Josh Richardson is Dating Former America’s Next Top Model Runner-Up Tatiana Elizabeth