Ex-NBA player Yi Jianlian dragged into prostitute scandal

Former NBA player Yi Jianlian, a basketball star from China, is facing controversy for allegedly soliciting a transgender prostitute after the leak of photos that reportedly show his naked body and ID card on Thursday.

The 36-year-old Yi and his agency have not responded to the allegation as of Thursday night.

The scandal arose when a social media user posted photos claiming to show Yi’s naked body and also his ID card, as well as chat records implying that Yi has solicited a transgender prostitute for US$1,500.

The post triggered heated discussions online, with some suggesting the photos were fake.

Yi married Jing Ling and has two sons aged 10 and 8.

Some brands that collaborated with Yi for advertising have cut ties with him, including the China Life Insurance Company, Guangzhou Zhujiang Brewery Group, China Guangfa Bank and Oppo, etc.

Yi is one of China’s most celebrated basketball players. The 7-feet big man last played for the Guangdong team following a five-year career in the NBA, during which he played for Milwaukee Bucks, New Jersey Nets, Washington Wizards and the Dallas Mavericks.

He led China to win three International Basketball Federation Asia Cups, played for the Chinese national team in several international competitions, including four Olympic Games, and twice won the Most Valuable Player award.

On August 29 last year, Yi announced his retirement via personal social media, ending a 21-year basketball career.