Jordan Clarkson was unable to join Gilas Pilipinas in the Heyuan Wus International Basketball Tournament in China due to the absence of a Chinese visa.
Mike, the father of the Filipino-American guard, said that the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas did not immediately notify his son that he needed to acquire a visa to enter China.
“He was notified late he needed a Chinese visa to be able to enter China,” Mike said in a statement posted on his Facebook page.
“Unfortunately, the Chinese Consulate in LA advised he needed to travel from LA to New York City to apply for the visa. By the time he [would] receive the visa, the [China] tournament will be finished,” he added.
Mike went on to criticize those who are bashing his son for not joining the national men’s basketball team in China without knowing the reason.
“To JC’s credit, he never defends himself but I will being the integral part of his life. Stop all the BS and know the facts. If you aren’t sure, its best to keep quiet and don’t assume you know,” Mike said.
“And when you know, you’ll speak factually and sound intelligent. Stop spreading other’s false rhetoric,” he added.
Clarkson received criticism on social media following his decision to arrive in the country two weeks before the start of the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
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