China to ban contracted NBA players during lockout

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BEIJING (AP) — The Chinese Basketball Association will restrict

contracted NBA players from playing for domestic teams in the event

the season is canceled, but will still allow free agents, state

media reported Friday.

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The CBA would bar players under contract such as Carmelo Anthony

and Chris Paul. They and others had expressed interest in playing

in China if the NBA lockout drags on and results in the

cancellation of all or part of the 2011-12 season.

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The CBA said it will welcome free agent NBA players, but will

require them to play an entire season in China, the Xinhua News

Agency reported.

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Xinhua said more restrictions would be announced before the start

of the Chinese season on Nov. 20. It reported contracts would be

designed to discourage players from ducking out for dubious reasons

such as suspect injuries or unverified family problems at

home.

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CBA officials could not immediately be reached for

comment.

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