Beijing Ducks point-guard Stephon Marbury received a one-game ban from the CBA, with poor translation of his post-match interview being the cause. (Photo : Getty Images)
Beijing Ducks point-guard and ex-NBA star Stephon Marbury was on the receiving end of language barrier issues after poor translation of his post-match interview against Guangdong Dongguan Bank cost him a one-game ban by the CBA.
The Beijing Ducks' 103-98 defeat to Guangdong Dongguan Bank was a massive cause of dismay for Marbury, who is looking to help boost his team's confidence as they sit last in the final play-off spot of the CBA with six rounds left.
The poorly translated interview purported Marbury to have said the following phrase: "Tonight's result was not decided tonight," which, to the CBA, was an implicit remark against game officials as it comes off as an accusation for purposely letting Beijing Ducks lose.
However, Marbury said these actual words in his interview statement: "I don't think tonight was decided on us tonight"--a remark that was nonetheless vague but less provocative contrary to the misapprehension conveyed unto the CBA, the GB Times reported.
Understandably, the one-game ban got Marbury more incensed than he should be following Beijing Ducks' unwanted defeat, to which he denied the inflammatory nature accused against him in outright terms: "I didn't say that. Why should I be penalized for a mistake I didn't make?"
Beijing Ducks' narrow chances of making it through to the CBA playoffs this season raises more questions on Marbury's future in the team, considering that at 39 years of age and with seven seasons spent in China, a move or retirement may be forthcoming.
Marbury has long been seen by Chinese basketball fans as the role model for all foreigners who come to play in the CBA, given his raw drive and sheer motivation in uplifting the Beijing Ducks--a trait that is somewhat rare among foreigners holding out on large paychecks in China as retirement looms near.
