Fan reaction was firmly on the side of Yao.

"Yao has contributed so much to the national team, so we should not blame him," said one netizen on Sina.com.

The newspaper appears to have had a change of heart two days later, writing: "What Yao learned from the NBA is not only basketball skills but also the true meaning of professionalism, and this is why he can always report to the national team as soon as possible."

Yao will have to rest until September, meaning he is set to miss the Stankovic Cup and the team's European Tour in late August.

"Without Yao Ming, we are a different team and the warm-ups are not as valuable as I want," said head coach Jonas Kazlauskas, "For sure I want a full roster and I am expecting a lot from Yao, but what can I do?"

The All-star center joined China's national team training camp in Beijing on Tuesday and took part in a training session with teammates for the first time since coming back from the United States on June 22.

【体坛资讯：Yao defends himself following unfair newspaper attack】相关文章：

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Lindsay Lohan glams up for once

★ 体坛资讯：Yao Ming keen on bearing flag for China at Beijing Olympics

★ 体坛资讯：Japan beat UAE 3-1 at Asian Cup

★ 体坛英语资讯：Benevolent Yao breaks rules for good cause

★ 体坛资讯：China race into Sudirman Cup final

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Brad Pitt aims to keep focus on Katrina recovery

★ 体坛英语资讯：Yi debuts for Bucks in win

★ 体坛英语资讯：France s shown capability of hosting safe event through Euro 2016: Bach

★ 体坛资讯：China win sixth Sudirman Cup title

★ 体坛资讯：Chinese to dominate Thailand Open finals