Euroleague: “Deliberately misleading and incorrect statements of Ataman – Disappointment at Panathinaikos’ announcement”

Caustic announcement from Euroleaguewhich responds to that of Panathinaikos AKTOR and also to Ergin Ataman’s statements after Game 1 against Maccabi Tel Aviv for the playoffs of the event.

THE Euroleague in her announcement she initially talks about “deliberately misleading and incorrect statements by Ataman”which according to the organizing authority “they give an inaccurate analysis of the game”. At the same time, she expresses her disappointment for the statements of the Turkish coach of the “greens” and also for the announcement of the “clover”.

Updates at the same time Euroleague that a disciplinary procedure has been initiated after the events, while emphasizing that the Ataman “prevented journalists from carrying out their duties” at yesterday’s media day.

The announcement in detail:

Euroleague Basketball wishes to express its disappointment with the public statements of Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens coach Mr. Ergin Ataman and the club itself, as well as other events that occurred after Game 1 of the Turkish Airlines Playoffs hosted in Athens on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.

Such actions and statements are in complete contradiction to the joint statement made on April 15, 2024, by Euroleague Basketball, the EuroLeague Head Coaches Council, the EuroLeague Players Association and the EuroLeague Basketball Officials Association, as they create the unnecessary and unjustified conflict. that the four organisations, representing its member clubs, coaches, players and officials, all pledged to prevent.

Coach Ataman’s statements are deliberately misleading and incorrect – they give an inaccurate analysis of the game and a carefully selected number of phases, trying to question the work and integrity of the referees and put extra pressure on them and the organization of the league – efforts that clearly do not they will achieve their goals.

Unfortunately, these statements were not presented to Euroleague Basketball officials through existing official channels, which are always open to Coach Ataman, his club and every other club and coach in the competition.

Such behavior will not be tolerated by Euroleague Basketball. Disciplinary proceedings have already been initiated, as for the events that occurred at the mandatory media day on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, when Mr. Ataman prevented journalists from carrying out their duties.

Euroleague Basketball’s respect for the organization, community and legacy of Panathinaikos is unquestionable and equal to the respect given to all other clubs in the competition. The events that occurred after Game 1 of the EuroLeague Playoffs are contrary to the principles of respect between the clubs, the competition that they all manage and the values ​​that the competition aims to promote.

Euroleague Basketball encourages Coach Ataman, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens and all other clubs and individuals to avoid similar statements and behavior in future games and to promote the values ​​that the EuroLeague organization represents by creating a positive atmosphere around games and celebrating incredible effort and action on the court.

Euroleague Basketball statement.

Euroleague Basketball wishes to express its disappointment about the public statements made by Mr. Ergin Ataman, the Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens head coach, and by the club itself, as well as about other events that happened following Game 1 of… pic.twitter.com/d6Tcd1Al44

— Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) April 25, 2024