Chinese basketball legend Yi Jianlian shocked fans last year when he announced his retirement, but a recent scandal has reignited discussions about his impact on the sport. Allegations have surfaced claiming that Yi was involved in a prostitution arrangement with a transgender individual. Graphic images purportedly showing Yi’s identification along with explicit content have circulated online, leaving many fans feeling both shocked and disappointed. However, these claims have yet to be officially verified.
According to multiple media sources, a transgender individual has come forward, alleging that Yi paid $1,500 for sexual services. Subsequently, the individual reportedly captured photos of Yi in a compromising position, including images of his identification card, which states he was born on October 27, 1987, aligning with public records.
This news quickly spread across social media, trending on platforms like Weibo. While many fans expressed their disbelief, some commentators speculated that the images of Yi and his identification might have been digitally manipulated. Critics pointed to discrepancies in Yi’s identification, noting that his Social Security records list a birth year of 1984, contradicting the date visible in the images. As of now, Yi has not publicly addressed these allegations.
Additionally, reports indicate this controversy has rapidly gained traction online. Prior to this incident, Yi had partnerships with around 20 brands. Currently, only seven companies, including Nike, Deppon Express, L’Oréal Men, Instant Electric Vehicles, IndivBio, Zhongti Card Industry, and IM-BODY, have retained references to Yi on their official Weibo accounts. The other brands appear to have removed any mention of him.
Yi Jianlian made history as the fourth Chinese player to join the NBA and was often seen as the successor to Yao Ming. He played five seasons in the NBA, representing teams such as the Milwaukee Bucks, New Jersey Nets, Washington Wizards, and Dallas Mavericks, achieving an average of 7.9 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. After returning to the CBA in 2012, he briefly joined the Los Angeles Lakers in August 2016 but left the team by October to return to the CBA.
Throughout his career in the CBA, Yi has been selected for the All-Star Game 12 times, clinched seven championships, and received two Finals MVP awards. On the international stage, he has earned a gold medal at the 2006 Doha Asian Games, one silver and three gold medals in the Asian Championships, along with two MVP titles in that tournament.
