Aug 1, 2020 - Sports

American coaches warn of player abuse in NBA academies in China

NBA store in Beijing. Photo: Greg Baker/AFP via Getty Images

American coaches at three NBA training academies in China told the league their Chinese partners abused young players and didn't provide schooling, ESPN reports.

Why it matters: Because of its population, China is a major market for the NBA, and the league's success in the country was helped by the achievements of former Rockets center Yao Ming, who retired in 2011.

  • Since Ming's success, the league has tried to "find another Yao."

What they're saying: NBA deputy commissioner and COO Mark Tatum, who oversees international operations, told ESPN that the NBA is "reevaluating" its academy programs in China, which operate out of sports facilities run by the Chinese government.

  • "We were basically working for the Chinese government," one former coach said.

Go deeper: NBA players pick social justice jersey messaging

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Kendall Baker, author of Sports
Oct 16, 2020 - Politics & Policy

Exclusive: More Than A Vote targets young voters on "NBA 2K21"

Courtesy: More Than A Vote

In an attempt to reach young Black voters where they already consume media, More Than A Vote — the voting rights group led by LeBron James and other Black athletes — will debut a new series on "NBA 2KTV" today, Axios has learned.

Why it matters: Instead of producing PSA-style videos and relying on traditional news networks, More Than A Vote will reach potential voters when they login to play "NBA 2K21," the latest edition of the top-selling video game franchise.

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Axios
Updated 2 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Coronavirus dashboard

Illustration: Annelise Capossela/Axios

  1. Politics: Trump says if Biden's elected, "he'll listen to the scientists" — Trump calls Fauci a "disaster" on campaign call.
  2. Health: Coronavirus hospitalizations are on the rise — 8 states set single-day coronavirus case records last week.
  3. States: Wisconsin judge reimposes capacity limit on indoor venues.
  4. Media: Trump attacks CNN as "dumb b*stards" for continuing to cover pandemic.
  5. Business: Consumer confidence surveys show Americans are getting nervous — How China's economy bounced back from coronavirus.
  6. Sports: We've entered the era of limited fan attendance.
  7. Education: Why education technology can’t save remote learning.
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Axios
Updated 2 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Microphones will be muted during parts of Thursday's presidential debate

Photos: Jim Watson and Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

The Commission on Presidential Debates adopted new measures on Monday to mute the microphones of President Trump and Joe Biden to allow each candidate two minutes of uninterrupted time per segment during Thursday night's debate.

Why it matters: During September's chaotic debate, Trump interrupted Biden 71 times, while Biden interrupted Trump 22 times.

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