The NBA’s first Asian-American champion Jeremy Lin isn’t having it with Donald Trump and coronavirus. The basketball star took Trump to task over his use of the term “Chinese virus” to describe the global pandemic.
The 31-year-old Taiwanese-American signed to the Beijing Ducks in the Chinese Basketball Association last year. He took issue with Trump’s tweets.
Trump used a term in a tweet on Monday that virtually attributes coronavirus as something inherently Chinese.
“The United States will be powerfully supporting those industries, like airlines and others, that are particularly affected by the Chinese Virus. We will be stronger than ever before!” Trump wrote.
Lin is an almost 10-year NBA veteran, whose career famously started with the New York Knicks. He gained a following and a buzz called “Lin-Sanity” and it made him a star.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also spoke out.
“We urge the US to correct its mistake and stop groundless accusations against China,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang.
Lin has been asked to return to Beijing to meet up with his teammates, according to reports. The CBA season may resume as soon as next month, although it is reported that all remaining games will be played in one or two host cities.
