SPORTS ILLUSTRASIAN: Reebok Speaks Chine$e

He's baaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!

Yao Ming returned to the hardcourt today from a foot injury for 12 minutes against Serbia in the Stankovic Cup, a pre-Olympic tune-up tournament. China won 96-72. Reports said that Yao Ming looked "rusty," but I doubt Reebok really gives a shit how he plays so long as his big ass is out there. The shoe company endorses Yao and this week unveiled the limited edition Yao Ming Omni Pump Hexride 5 in select Chine$e stores.


Reebok is banking on the fug shoe to make inroads to the Chine$e market, something Nike and Adidas already have a headstart on.

"With a huge global event like the Olympics, and with Yao as such a huge figure for the country, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as we make our ka-ching-chong charge into China," said Todd Krinsky, Reebok's vice president of sports and entertainment marketing.

Only 2008 sneakers were made and they retail for about $130 dollars, or $886 yuan, almost half the average monthly salary of a well-paid Chine$e worker. The shoe is laden with "ancient Chine$e secret" imagery, like the dragon, Yao's Chine$e zodiac sign (the monkey), and the colors red and gold.

Raise the red lantern and the roof, y'all!!!

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