Xinjiang-Born Chinese Basketball Star Punished For Signing With Adidas

A star basketball player born in the far-western Xinjiang region who plays in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) has been punished by his team after inking an endorsement contract with German sports brand Adidas AG, according to Chinese media, as reported through Kyodo News.

Photo Insert: Guangdong Southern Tigers player Hu Mingxuan

Earlier this year, Adidas expressed concern over human rights conditions in Xinjiang, where many democratic countries have accused the Communist-led government of detaining Muslim Uighurs who oppose growing state surveillance under its "re-education" campaign.

After signing with the sports brand, Hu Mingxuan, a 23-year-old member of Guangdong Southern Tigers, said in his social media account in September that he is "very happy to join the Adidas family."

Chinese media said the financial punishment for Hu has "set an example" to other basketball players in the nation.

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