Jeremy Lin News: 'Linsanity' Was Called 'Coronavirus' During Game, Gets Extra Motivation

Jeremy Lin is standing up for Asian-Americans, aware that hate and racism remain rampant. He revealed Thursday the latest racist attack he experienced while playing ball — being called “coronavirus” on the hardwood.

“Linsanity” is currently playing for the Santa Cruz Warriors in the G-League, part of his long road back to the NBA. He did not mention in the lengthy post he shared on Instagram and Facebook when or who branded him as coronavirus on the court, but it remains that racism still exists even in basketball.

In his statement, Lin aired his frustrations over him and his fellow Asian Americans “being told that we don‘t experience racism” and “being told to keep our heads down and not make trouble.” He also pointed out that they continue to be mocked over their looks and ethnic origin and are constantly told that that they are “inherently unattractive.”

"We are tired of Asian American kids growing up and being asked where they're REALLY from, of having our eyes mocked, of being objectified as exotic or being told we're inherently unattractive," Lin’s post read.

"We are tired of the stereotypes in Hollywood affecting our psyche and limiting who we think we can be. We are tired of being invisible, of being mistaken for our colleague or told our struggles aren't as real," he added.

Looking ahead, all Lin cares about is continuing the fight against racism. He wrote that he wants a better future for his niece, nephew, future kids and relatives, and the only way he can do that is by making a stand and proving that Asian Americans can also thrive in professional leagues like the NBA.

“Being an Asian American doesn’t mean we don’t experience poverty and racism,” he concluded. “Being a 9 year NBA veteran doesn't protect me from being called 'coronavirus' on the court. Being a man of faith doesn't mean I don't fight for justice, for myself and for others.”

Lin also spoke about his “anger” and “heartbreak” due to the hate crimes against the Asian-American and Pacific Islander community during an appearance on NBC Sports Bay Area's “Race in America: A Candid Conversation.”

“I feel bad for somebody who harbors hate for somebody else, who they’ve never met, just based on skin color,” he said. “That makes me want to do something. It makes me want to educate people or speak out and find ways to make a difference.”

Lin’s rant comes not long after reports that hate crimes in regions like New York and San Francisco were increasing compared to previous years.

The New York Police Department reported 28 hate crimes against Asian Americans in 2020. This was 3 more from 2019. In San Francisco, hate crime was up 33% in 2020 compared to 2019, the Washington Post reported.

There have been roughly 2,500 reports of hate incidents reported in the U.S. tied to Asians since March 2020, according to Asian advocacy group AAPI.

Given these numbers, it should give Lin added motivation to strive harder and fulfill his NBA return dream. It won’t be easy, but the 32-year-old is ready to take on the challenge.