NBA Rockets general manager apologises for Hong Kong protest tweet

"I was merely voicing one thought, based on one interpretation on a complicated event. I have had a lot of opportunity since that tweet to hear and consider other perspectives," Daryl Morey said in a tweet.

"I have always appreciated the significant support our Chinese fans and sponsors have provided and I would hope that those who are upset will know that offending or misunderstanding them was not my intention," he said, adding that his tweets did not represent the Rockets or NBA.

The team's Chinese sponsor and a Chinese sportswear maker suspended work with the Rockets after Morey's tweet over the weekend.

Morey quickly deleted the tweet, which included an image captioned: "Fight For Freedom. Stand With Hong Kong."

In a separate statement, the NBA said it recognised Morey's views have "deeply offended many of our friends and fans in China, which is regrettable."

(Writing by Darren Schuettler; editing by Gerry Doyle)