In a similar incident earlier this season, during Xinjiang’s January 7 away game against Sichuan, Li Gen experienced a tough, physical confrontation that caught attention. Speaking to reporters later, Li revealed that he had already discussed the matter with Zhai Yi via WeChat on the night of the game. In his view, physical contact in the heat of competition is inevitable, as both sides battle hard to help their teams win. He admitted that he instinctively raised his elbow to protect himself, the movement coming out stronger than intended and catching Zhai — much like an earlier instance when Zhai’s elbow had caught him. Both players knew the collision wasn’t as dramatic as it appeared on television.
The two had known each other since their days with the Shanghai Sharks and the national team. After communicating, they laughed the matter off and even agreed to meet for a meal when possible. However, the media soon amplified the incident. Li Gen expressed frustration at how the situation had escalated in public, but accepted the league’s decision, noting that rules are rules and players must abide by them. Still, he admitted feeling guilty for not being able to help his team during a difficult stretch. His suspension for three games leaves Xinjiang facing new challenges, especially under the strain of playing with just one foreign import.
In that game against Sichuan, Chen Chen backed into Li Gen and collided with his shoulder, but while Li remained unmoved, Chen theatrically fell to the floor clutching his head. After reviewing the replay, referees made no call, and Chen quickly got up to resume play. Against Shanghai, the match had already been heated with repeated rough play. Import player Minnerath’s elbow even split Yu Changdong’s brow open during a rebound battle, requiring five stitches.
After taking several concealed hits from Zhai Yi, Li’s waist pain worsened that night. Under current CBA rules, fines must be paid personally from the player’s account. Reflecting on the incident, Li told reporters that people grow through adversity and that this would serve as a lesson to respond more wisely in the future. He stressed the need to face physical play without crossing the line, echoing the principle that if others respect you, you respect them, but if challenged, you stand your ground. His wife also posted on social media after the league announced the penalty.
Footage from Xinjiang’s January 9 game against Shanghai helped clarify events. In professional basketball, physical clashes are part of the game, most falling into the category of fouls. In high-intensity contests, there are always subtle tactics referees can’t easily catch. Players react in different ways — some avoid, some complain, some retaliate, others act. Li’s mistake was meeting force with force, which the rules prohibit.
The original foul in question came when Li, on offense, raised his arm and hit Zhai Yi. The referee made no call, though Zhai had already committed three questionable plays against Li earlier in the game. The first came at 6:39 of the first quarter when Zhai’s raised elbow hit Li’s chin. The second was at 7:09 of the second quarter, when Zhai sidestepped into Li’s drive, causing a chest-to-shoulder collision. The third occurred with 53.1 seconds left in the second quarter, when Zhai’s elbow struck the back of Li’s head during a rebound putback.
Through it all, Li kept playing, choosing not to dramatize the contact. As he explained, physical battles are part of basketball — opponents will use every trick they can, sometimes with hidden elbows and bumps that referees miss. The important thing is to adapt and keep competing. For fans following the CBA through Melbet APK, it’s a reminder that the real story on the court can be far more nuanced than what’s seen from the stands or on TV, and that in elite basketball, toughness and composure often go hand in hand.