Forced to React? Qingdao Team Reporter Speaks Out: Ji Zhuo Should Be Punished, and Repeat Offenders Should Also Be Investigated

Last night in the CBA Summer League, Shanxi Men's Basketball lost 86-89 to Qingdao Men's Basketball. In the final moments of the game, during a Qingdao offensive possession, Zhang Ning collided with Ji Zhuo while fighting through a screen. Ji Zhuo then covered his groin and fell to the floor in pain. Zhang Ning subsequently indicated to the referee that Ji Zhuo had "flopped," and Ji Zhuo charged toward Zhang Ning in anger. He was assessed a disqualifying foul and was ejected from the game.

This morning, Qingdao Men's Basketball team reporter Du Jincheng posted a statement on Weibo, saying directly, "For a normally honest player like Ji Zhuo to be pushed to the point of taking action, it is imaginable what kind of move the opponent used." He also emphasized the bottom line: "Regardless of what happened, violence is not allowed on the court. That is the bottom line. Ji Zhuo made a mistake and must be punished."

Du Jincheng further raised a question: "Could some investigations and penalties be carried out regarding certain repeat offenders on the court in the future? This would still be beneficial to the healthy development of the league." His comments shifted the focus from an individual confrontation to league discipline, prompting fans to speculate and discuss the identity of the "repeat offenders."

At present, the CBA has not issued an official response regarding the matter. Whether Ji Zhuo's disqualifying foul will receive additional punishment, and whether an investigation into "repeat offenders on the court" will be launched, remain to be clarified by the league.