Jeremy Lin says he and fellow Asian Americans are “tired” with the growing number of hate crimes and racism directed towards them.
Lin took to social media Thursday to express his frustration after sitting out of another G League game with the Santa Cruz Warriors.
“Something is changing in this generation of Asian-Americans. We are tired of being told that we don‘t experience racism, we are tired of being told to keep our heads down and not make trouble,” Lin wrote on his Instagram and Facebook accounts.
“We are tired of Asian-American kids growing up and being asked where they’re REALLY from, of having our eyes mocked, of being objectified as exotic or being told we’re inherently unattractive.
“...Being an Asian American doesn't mean we don't experience poverty and racism. Being a 9 year NBA veteran doesn't protect me from being called 'coronavirus' on the court. Being a man of faith doesn't mean I don't fight for justice, for myself and for others."
The comments come after he made an appearance on NBC Sports Bay Area's Race in America: A Candid Conversation to express his “anger” and “heartbreak” with the hate crimes against the Asian-American and Pacific Islander community.
“I feel bad for somebody who harbours hate for somebody else, who they’ve never met, just based on skin colour,” he said. “That makes me want to do something. It makes me want to educate people or speak out and find ways to make a difference.”
Lin joined the NBA G League to play for the Golden State Warriors’ affiliate club and is averaging 19.6 points, 7.2 assists, and 1.6 steals per game after spending the previous season with the Chinese Basketball Association’s Beijing Ducks.
