This is the angry outcry of countless CBA fans when the Beijing men's basketball season just started. A long-awaited dream of "genius and strength coexisting" in basketball was brutally shattered by a "glass man" who gets injured easily.
Can you imagine a top-paid player who can rest for three months with a sprained ankle and lie at home for half a month with a minor cold? This is not a myth; it is the reality of the Beijing Shougang Basketball Club. Zhou Qi, once a name that made countless people's blood boil, known as the "Great Demon King," has become the team's "time bomb." Fans say he "plays like he's strolling on the court," and they describe him as "soft on offense and lax on defense." What's most frustrating is that he "plays games" on the court and enjoys roast duck and tanghulu after the game without any reflection.
And those who paid a large sum for his signing fee, the Beijing men's basketball team, are just like the old saying: "Good intentions don't get rewarded, and being hasty doesn't allow one to eat hot tofu." They thought that signing Zhou Qi would quickly break through the team's bottleneck, and the championship dream within reach now seems to have turned into bubbles.
- Incident Process: From Top-Paid Signing to Disappointment and Frustration
The story begins with Zhou Qi's signing. Beijing Shougang spent top-tier contracts to bring in Zhou Qi, hoping he could lead the team to challenge for the championship. His performance and potential in the CBA were undoubtedly impressive, especially during his time with the Xinjiang team, where he not only showcased excellent defensive skills but also frequently brought stunning offensive performances to the team. As a result, fans and media had high hopes for this deal, believing that Zhou Qi's addition could inject new vitality into Beijing's team.
However, reality gave the Shougang club a heavy slap in the face. After the start of the season, Zhou Qi's state did not meet expectations. He had injuries in almost every game, and in just a few months, injuries and recuperation took up nearly half of his career. A sprained ankle could sideline him for two weeks, and a cold required half a month of "rest and recuperation," making people wonder if this top-paid player was actually playing or just "retiring"?
- The "Strolling King" on the Court
Back on the court, Zhou Qi's performance was even more disheartening. He never seemed to show the superstar flair he should have, lacking explosiveness on offense and being lax on defense. The once towering figure now seemed to be a burden to his teammates. More than once, fans saw Zhou Qi standing on the court "staring off into space," and after the game, he casually enjoyed the delicacies of Beijing, seemingly unaware that he was playing for a top-level team.
Meanwhile, other players on Beijing's team were giving their all. Look at the victories earned through sweat and hard work; they run non-stop on the court like desperate soldiers; but Zhou Qi? He just stands there, occasionally "zoning out" during offense and slacking off during defense. This mismatch between talent and effort makes many fans question, "How exactly did you get this contract?"
- The "Crazy Performance" on the Court: Trouble Caused by Referees
Just when everyone thought Zhou Qi would finally settle down and play, another controversy on the court reignited discussions. In a relatively uncontroversial call, Zhou Qi walked up to the referee and launched an intense protest, ultimately getting ejected from the game. You know, at this point, the mood of this top-paid player was no longer focused on the game itself but rather on "how can I make a scene on the court?" At this moment, everyone realized that for him, the game seemed to be a "performance" rather than real competition. For a team leader, such behavior appears particularly irresponsible.
Once ejected from the game, Zhou Qi was completely relieved. He could continue to enjoy the food, scenery, and leisurely life of Beijing, and the pressure from the game seemed to disappear instantly.
- The True Leader's Sense of Responsibility
For professional athletes, earning high salaries means taking on greater responsibilities. Every penny of salary does not come from the sky; it represents the team's investment, the fans' expectations, and the desire for victory. Zhou Qi, with his top salary, did not fulfill the responsibilities of a top player, with frequent injuries, a lazy attitude, and lackluster performance, causing great trouble for the team and greatly disappointing the fans.
As the saying goes, "Responsibility is the source of power." In Zhou Qi, we see a lack of responsibility. When a player cannot face the game with a positive and hardworking attitude, his high salary and fame can only become a "burden," ultimately dragging down the entire team.
- How to Avoid Similar Problems?
For Zhou Qi, the key to his career is not just talent but self-discipline and hard work. Zhou Qi has tremendous potential, but whether he can convert this potential into actual performance will ultimately determine whether he can achieve greatness. For CBA teams, they need to evaluate players' professional attitudes more scientifically, not just looking at immediate results or data. Signing a top-paid player should not be based solely on temporary appeal but on a comprehensive assessment of the player's professional attitude, health status, and long-term development.
- Netizens' Opinions and Expert Suggestions
Netizen A: "I think Zhou Qi has been spoiled. Playing ball is boring, but he's relaxed with the money. Every time, it's injuries that come knocking. Watching him eat roast duck makes me want to send him a postcard that says 'Retire.'"
Netizen B: "Zhou Qi can change his attitude, but if he really can't cut it, then don't waste his youth anymore. Can't we just replace him? After all, the future of the team can't always be dragged down by one person!"
Experts believe that Zhou Qi, as a player with extraordinary talent, should cultivate greater potential through self-discipline. At the same time, the CBA league should strengthen the management and constraints on players, not only seeing their performance in the game but also supervising and guiding them in training and daily behavior to ensure that players can return the support of fans and teams with a positive attitude.
Zhou Qi's incident gives us a profound revelation. Although a player's talent is important, only continuous efforts and strict self-discipline can truly achieve greatness. If left unchecked, one will eventually be eliminated by time. For each of us, this is also a warning - no matter what position we are in, only persistent efforts and hard work can bring true success.