Foreign Basketball Player Fined for Doing This...

Source: JobTube, Arianna J., Freya W., Josh B.

On December 7th, the official website of China Basketball Association released a penalty notice to a foreign player of Nanjing Tongxi, Guerschon Yabusele. This was because he had his head down during the Chinese nation anthem ceremony before the match against Zhejiang Golden Bulls. The notice stated that Yabusele was fined 10,000 Yuan in addition to being given a severe warning.

The Penalty Notice & Response

As for the situation, on 7th December, the CBA League issued a penalty notice as follows:

On December 6th, 2019, there were 132 matches in the 14th round of CBA League regular season match in 2019-2020. During the National Anthem singing ceremony before the match between Nanjing Tongxi and Zhejiang GoldenBulls , No. 13 player of Tongxi, Yabusele, didnt salute with his eyes.

In order to strictly enforce the League discipline, according to the first paragraph of Article 29, Chapter II of the discipline rules of China Men's basketball professional league 2019-2020, the player Yabusele was given a severe warning and fined 10,000 Yuan.

The penalty notice released by CBA (Beijing) Sports Co., Ltd

Shortly after the announcement, Yabusele apologized on his own WeiBo and said that he did not show any disrespect to China, and would hold his head up from today on during the Chinese nation anthem.

Not an exceptional case

It's worth noting that it's not the first case that the foreign players get fined for not paying enough attention while singing Chinese national anthem before the match. On March 27th, 2019, during the flag raising ceremony before the match between Shenzhen team and Beijing Ducks Basketball Club, a player named Aaron Jackson stretched his leg backward and got fined for it. At the time, CBA wrote in the official account: "A serious warning is issued to Aaron Jackson, as well as a fine of 10,000 Yuan is imposed.

CBA League emphasized that since October 1st, 2017, when law of the PRC on the National Anthem was officially implemented, they have stressed that before the match, suitable candidates must be arranged to lead the national anthem, and all members of the team must salute with their eyes.

Voices

It is worth noticing that there are different voices under the official WeiBo account of People's Daily Online toward the issue after it was posted.

1. Make money in China, obey the rules.

2. This could be due to cultural differences, caused by inefficient communication. It has nothing to do with personal quality. In the NBA prelude to the national anthem, most players bow their heads and close their eyes (probably praying). I think no need to make a fuss over it, just make sure it wont happen again.

3. Saluting with eyes during the flag raising national anthem ceremony should be the most basic respect!

4. Not necessary... After all, hes foreign player. It's better to be tolerant.

5. Really no need, if he doesnt have a Chinese nationality.

According to CCTV news, a member of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress once pointed out the action that some young people place their right hands on their left chests when playing the national anthem is actually the Pledge of Allegiance for the US, which was stipulated by the law of 1942 for showing respect for their national flag. However, he also said that Chinese citizens shouldnt do it , instead they should respect Chinese laws and etiquette.

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