The Euroleague issued an announcement focusing on Ergin Ataman and Panathinaikos as a whole for the statements they made after Game 1 and the defeat of the “greens” by Maccabi Tel Aviv.
After announcing his protest Panathinaikou and the coach’s statements Ergin Ataman after the first game of the Playoffs against the Maccabi Tel Avivthe Euroleague decided not only to respond, but to inform that a disciplinary procedure has already been initiated.
Initially, the organizing authority with its official announcement stated that “EuroLeague would like to express its disappointment with the public statements of Panathinaikos coach Ergin Ataman, as well as of the club”as well “and for various events that followed Game 1 of the EuroLeague that took place in Athens on Tuesday, April 24.”
In more detail, the Euroleague expressed its opinion that “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”recalling the call for… calmness of all teams towards the decisions of the referees.
“Coach Ataman’s statements are deliberately misleading and incorrect” the announcement goes on to state and “they give an inaccurate analysis of the game and a carefully selected number of phases, trying to call into question the work and integrity of the referees and put extra pressure on them and the organization in general.”
In conclusion, the Euroleague Basketball states that “these statements were not presented to the officials of the competition through the official communication channels, which are always open to coach Ataman, his club, like every coach and every team in the competition. Such behavior will not be tolerated by Euroleague Basketball. Disciplinary proceedings have already been initiated».
Ergin Ataman showed the media all the important phases of Game 1 with Maccabi Tel Aviv, which he considers decisive for the defeat of Panathinaikos AKTOR.
There is also a reference to “other events”emphasizing that the Ataman he did not speak – as he was obliged to – to the Israeli journalists, stating that “prevented them from performing their duties” and how “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 the first leg of the EuroLeague Playoffs are contrary to the principles of respect between the clubs, the competition they all manage and the values the competition aims to promote. Euroleague Basketball encourages Coach Ataman, Panathinaikos and all other clubs 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 the games and celebrating the incredible effort and rich action”.
