PLG Vice President Chen Chien-chou Discharged, League Denies Rumors of Forced Resignation
AM730 · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago6 MIN
Summary
P. LEAGUE+ Vice Chairman Chen Chien-chou, widely known as "Blackie" (黑人), has been discharged from hospital and is recovering at home following a serious heart attack that briefly placed him in intensive care. The basketball league issued an urgent statement on Monday denying tabloid reports that claimed team owners had attempted to pressure Chen to resign and that external forces were demanding his removal from the new league's operations. The league confirmed Chen remains Vice Chairman with no changes to his position planned, and that all seven teams are cooperatively preparing for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, Chen's wife, singer Vicki Fan, has returned to work, performing at a music event in Macau on September 19.
Key Points
- Chen Chien-chou (陳建州) was hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction, initially requiring intensive care treatment before his condition stabilized
- He attributed his health crisis to chronic sleep deprivation caused by years of league administrative duties, according to his social media posts
- PLG issued a statement on September 21 denying media reports and clarifying that all claims about pressure to resign were speculative and false
- The league emphasized that Chen is still Vice Chairman with no position changes planned, and that team-franchise relations remain harmonious
- Seven PLG teams are proceeding with normal preparations for Season 7 of the professional basketball league
- Chen's wife Vicki Fan (范瑋琪) returned to work on September 19, performing at a "Bay Area Rising Moon" film and music gala in Macau
Why It Matters
This incident highlights the personal toll that professional sports administration can exact on executives, particularly in rapidly expanding leagues where founders often bear disproportionate operational burdens. The league's swift and public defense of Chen's position signals that the P. LEAGUE+ board considers stability essential as it approaches its seventh season, especially amid industry consolidation discussions that may be creating anxiety among franchise owners. For Hong Kong basketball fans, the development underscores how regional sports leagues across the Greater Bay Area remain closely interconnected through shared talent pools and cross-border event calendars.
This incident highlights the personal toll that professional sports administration can exact on executives, particularly in rapidly expanding leagues where founders often bear disproportionate operational burdens. The league's swift and public defense of Chen's position signals that the P. LEAGUE+ board considers stability essential as it approaches its seventh season, especially amid industry consolidation discussions that may be creating anxiety among franchise owners. For Hong Kong basketball fans, the development underscores how regional sports leagues across the Greater Bay Area remain closely interconnected through shared talent pools and cross-border event calendars.