Tough to be Yao

Reading about the debate in China about where Yao Ming's baby should be born makes me feel sorry for the guy. Quick recap: Yao and his pregnant wife recently traveled back to the US. His unborn girl is expected to arrive into the world in June and this trip back to the US has stirred controversy in China about whether the daughter will be an American.

Tough to be Yao Ming.

Let me remind you that this is one of the most upstanding NBA and Chinese citizens, who has never exhibited anything but class representing his Rockets team and as an graceful Chinese host during the 2008 Olympics. He championed tirelessly for earthquake relief in China a few years ago and personally donated much of his wealth. Sadly, he broke his foot during last season's playoffs and had to miss the entire season this year.

Also allow me to say that he's more than fulfilled his obligations to the Chinese national basketball team, participating in all the tournaments and qualifiers during the summer, while his NBA teammates take the summer off to rest their bodies and work on new skills. Oh, and when Yao was drafted #1, the Chinese government announced that would take half of his salary, as payment for developing him into the player that his is today.

So now there is even a discussion on where his child should be born? How selfish is that? Yao Ming and his family are human beings, not property of the Chinese government or Chinese nationalism movement. Putting aside the ridiculous argument that being born an American, the girl blessed with basketball genes could not compete for China (she's not even born yet!), why don't people consider the practical considerations for Yao and his family? Without a US passport, the poor girl would have to get a visa every time to travel with her parents, who live and work in the US.

Yao is right, this is a private matter between him and his wife. That we're even discussing this is ridiculous.