Kings Pull ‘Year Of The Monkey’ Tees After DeMarcus Cousins Complains

As part of the NBA’s recognition of the Chinese Lunar New Year, the Sacramento Kings printed a series of “Year of the Monkey” t-shirts. However, the team was forced to remove the shirts from the stands before Monday night’s home game at Sleep Train Arena after their star center DeMarcus Cousins reportedly voiced his disapproval, according to Milwaukee Bucks analyst Marques Johnson.

Kings Pull ‘Year Of The Monkey’ Tees After DeMarcus Cousins Complains

The Chinese Red Monkey New Year begins on Feb. 8, 2016 and ends on Jan. 27, 2017. Cousins apparently took issue with the fact that the shirts were being showcased on the first day of Black History Month. He did not play in Monday’s game against the Bucks, which the Kings won 111-104, due to a sprained left ankle. Rudy Gay led the Kings with 32 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, thus helping Sacramento snap a five-game losing streak.

The N.B.A. has celebrated the Lunar New Year before as part of its community engagement programs. In 2015, it partook  in the Year of the Goat with activities that included prizes, performances and special foods to celebrate the diversity of the league’s fan base.

 

PHOTO: SACRAMENTO, CA – OCTOBER 30: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers and DeMarcus Cousins #15 of the Sacramento Kings go for a loose ball at Sleep Train Arena on October 30, 2015 in Sacramento, California.