Rockets Owner Tilman Fertitta Has Changed His Tune About Daryl Morey's China Tweet

It seems like decades now, but it was only about eight months ago that Daryl Morey set off an international firestorm by tweeting support for protesters in Hong Kong while several NBA teams were in China for exhibition games ahead of the 2019-20 season. Morey was heavily criticized for his decision after China reacted to the comments and ignited a feud between the league and the country that is still carrying on.

This is relevant because right now, America is in a state of extreme civil unrest everywhere you look. That unfortunately means people will try to capitalize on it and gain goodwill with the public for supporting it. Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta did just that today, when he went on television to say he believed protesting was an American right and it was unfortunate that Morey took the heat he did for speaking his mind back in early October.

Tilman Fertitta: “I love the protesting. That's what makes America great. And remember, we got in trouble, my team, earlier in the year because we commented about something, which was such a disappointment because that's what makes America great." pic.twitter.com/P0CvEzDysJ
— Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) June 2, 2020

It's funny he should say he was disappointed by the reaction to Morey's statement because he was one of those people who got upset Morey's decision! Fertitta tweeted the following the day after Morey sent out his message of support.

Listen....@dmorey does NOT speak for the @HoustonRockets. Our presence in Tokyo is all about the promotion of the @NBA internationally and we are NOT a political organization. @espn https://t.co/yNyQFtwTTi
— Tilman Fertitta (@TilmanJFertitta) October 5, 2019

Per the New York Times, Fertitta explained his decision through a spokesperson:

"He said he “never considered firing or punishing Daryl” in the wake of Morey’s Twitter post. Fertitta also said that he needed to initially distance the Rockets from Morey because, “I felt it was important to make the distinction between Daryl speaking as a private citizen and Daryl as a representative of the Houston Rockets.” He added, “We have never commented on another country’s foreign policy.”"
- NYT

Utilizing the right of freedom of speech is what makes America great to Fertitta, unless his bottom line is impacted. Then he wants to distance himself from whoever decides to do that. Hmm. Sounds about billionaire to me.

Opportunism at its finest right here, ladies and gentlemen. Abhorrent.