Mundo Deportivo
Photo: Mundo Deportivo

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s agent, Giorgos Panou, spoke with the media and verbally assaulted the president of the Greek Basketball Federation, Giorgos Vassilakopoulos.

Here is what the Greek agent told “Sport FM” radio:

On Vassilakopoulos’ comments against the “Greek Freak”: “Mister Vassilakopoulos once more insults one of the top Greek players and presents him having no free will. The truth is the exact opposite.

Last year, the Federation attacked the Bucks, this year the problem is the agents. However, two years ago, Vasilakopoulos was not ashamed to call Giannis and his brother Thanasis “leashed bears”. That morning, Giannis decided to stay silent, respecting the age and the mantle of the president.”

On Antetokounmpo’s willingness to play for Greece: “Giannis decided to leave $106M on the table and play in the 2016 pre-Olympic tournament. Giannis took a risk and also took part of the blame for missing the qualification to the 2016 Olympics. He signed his contract after the tournament.

And now that he is one of the Top 5 players in the NBA, he is presented to be manipulated by agents, his NBA team and sponsors. It’s simply unthinkable to make such a claim.  Giannis wants to be part of the Greek national team. And there’s no person in the world that can make him change his mind.”