From what I read, but don't really care (so have only the initial cause):
- Pro-gamer in a Blizz game won a tournament, and made a political speech pro Hong Kong.
- Blizz ban player for political statement, and world goes mad over censorship, and Blizz is all for Chinese money.
But all sports have rules on what can be said and what can't, and political/religious statements are generally not allowed. In Australia, National Rugby League player (NRL, Israel Falou,) made a political/religious statement saying that (very brief,) gays, among others, will be going to Hell, in his way of sharing what the Bible teaches.
Guess what? The NRL tore up his contract, and said that they are an inclusive company [Edit: Organisation] and don't want to make any of their supporters feel alone, ostracised, judged, threatened or negative in any way over their sexuality. Last I read about it, Falou is still trying to take the NRL to court for loss of income (plus a huge sum in 'damages',) freedom of speech, that all he did was share a section of the Bible etc.
If you are in the public eye, such as a professional sports player, your statements can be seen as reflecting the views of the parent company: the one who employs you to play your sport. Political/religious statements can be shared, but there are times and places to do so, and ways that should be avoided. Most places would probably have a clause in their contracts that prohibit a player from making political/religious statements, and if not, it is well within their right to distance themselves from that.
As to whether the decision was made because Blizzard want Chinese money or not, or censorship, it's a moot point. Be aware of what you say and do, especially if you are in the public eye and your statement can reflect upon your employer.
