While the National Basketball Association (Nike) continues to worship the Communist altar in Beijing with their basketball and shin-shooting, the World Tennis Association threatens to withdraw its tournaments to China if the association fails to show credible evidence of Peng Shuai’s professional tennis career.
This evidence is preferably provided by the former player of top rank.
According to Jerry Wilson, Peng (35 years old) has not heard from her since she was accused of sexual assault against a high ranking Communist Party official. This happened two weeks back.
Chinese media release an email attributed to Peng, as reported by CNN, in which she said she was safe and recanted her previous accusations, but we’ve seen this movie before with China. Odds are it was fraudulent or coerced — Peng has still not been seen or heard from.
Serena Williams sent concern tweets to Peng Thursday
My peer Peng Shuai has died. It is my hope that she will be safe and can be located as quickly as possible. We must investigate this matter and not remain silent. We send our love and support to her during this difficult time.
Serena, Joe might be able to help.
My peer Peng Shuai has died. It is my hope that she will be found soon and safe. We must investigate this matter and not remain silent. We send our love and support to her during this difficult time. #whereispengshuai pic.twitter.com/GZG3zLTSC6
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) November 18, 2021
Steve Simon, chairman of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), said his organization is prepared to pull its tournaments out of China — potentially costing the WTA hundreds of millions of dollars — if it is not satisfied with Beijing’s response about the whereabouts of Peng, as well as her sexual allegations.
“We’re definitely willing to pull our business and deal with all the complications that come with it. This is a huge undertaking that is more than just the business. Women need to be respected and not censored.”
Gee! doesn’t thatRemind us about? [thinking-guy emoji]
Peng Shuai is a former vice-premier of China who was accused of sexual assault of tennis player Peng Shuai. The rarest sport is now willing to leave one of the most lucrative markets in the world. https://t.co/W04mUXLejK
— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) November 19, 2021
Concern for Peng’s welfare has continued to grow since she said she was “forced” into a sexual relationship with former China vice-premier Zhang Gaoli. As noted by the BBC, it was the first such public accusation against one of China’s senior Communist leaders.
Naomi Osaka spoke up after Pengshuai, the Chinese tennis star, disappeared after accusing Zhang Gaoli of sexual assault.
Peng was removed from Weibo by Censors and her account blocked. Advocates demand an investigation using the # hashtag #WhereIsPengShuai. pic.twitter.com/G4tTvfDk4F
— AJ+ (@ajplus) November 17, 2021
Zhang, 75, served as China’s vice-premier between 2013 and 2018 and was a close ally of President Xi Jinping. He has not responded to Peng’s accusations.
China’s Foreign Ministry on Friday stuck to the line that it is “not aware” of the Peng Shuai situation, as reported by ESPN, a preposterous claim for the ChiComs, particularly because Peng’s accusations were made against one of Xi’s pals. “Not aware” is an old Beijing card it plays in place of bald-faced lying.
The United Nations says it wants proof of Peng’s whereabouts and called for an investigation “with full transparency.” Start holding your breath in 3… 2… 1… Then roll your eyes.
As noted by the BBC, Peng is a former world, number-one doubles player who has won two Grand Slam titles — at Wimbledon in 2013 and the French Open in 2014, both with doubles partner Hsieh Su-wei. Her career high singles rankings were 14 in 2011, and she reached the U.S. Open Singles Semi-finals in 2014.
Oh, before we go, how about we play a quick game of “Which of these is not like the other one?” first?
RedState’s coverage of the NBA over the last couple of years as it relates to Black Lives Matter, the Uyghur Muslim genocide, and the crackdown on Hong Kong has been extensive. Nobody has “shined” brighter in the Communist Chinese spotlight than the hypocritical king himself, LeBron James.
And then there’s Nike.
As my colleague, Sister Toldjah reported in August, when Nike CEO John Donahoe was asked why the shoe giant doesn’t speak out more on China’s abuse of human rights, this was the best he could do:
“China is a very important market for us, we have a long-term history in China. We take a very long-term view with China, we’ll continue to invest in China while also operating a very responsible global supply chain.”
Just Do It™ — right, John?
Hong Kong, be damned. Be damned Uyghur Muslims. Peng Shuai is to be condemned.
And NBA Commissioner Adam Silver? Ditto.
In the interim, Chairman Steve Simon and World Tennis Association deserve credit for sticking to principles and going to where cowards or profit-grabbers won’t go.
You can just do it.
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