Jeremy Lin Claims He Was Called ‘CoronaVirus’ on Court

Former NBA player Jeremy Lin said he has been called “coronavirus” while playing during a basketball game over the past year.

"Being an Asian American doesn't mean we don't experience poverty and racism," he wrote in a social media post on Thursday. "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."

https://twitter.com/espn/status/1365391318973898758?s=20

Lin, a 9-year NBA veteran, currently plays for G-League's Santa Cruz Warriors.

The Associated Press reports that bigotry towards Asian Americans has grown during the COVID-19 global pandemic, including an increase in hate crimes. 

In an appearance on NBC Sports Bay Area's “Race in America: A Candid Conversation," Lin called for unity after violence against Asian Americans. 

“I feel bad for somebody who harbors hate for somebody else, who they’ve never met, just based on skin color,” 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."