NBA opens inquiry into Bucks over Giannis Antetokounmpo’s playing status
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The NBA has launched an investigation into the Milwaukee Bucks for possible violations of the league’s player participation guidelines after conflicting accounts emerged about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s health and readiness to play, sources told ESPN on Friday.
According to those sources, Antetokounmpo informed both the Bucks and league officials that he is physically able and eager to return, while the organization maintains the two-time MVP is not medically cleared. The discrepancy prompted the league to question team officials, medical staff and the player.
Star forward says he is “available”
Before Milwaukee’s 133-101 home loss to the Boston Celtics on Friday, Antetokounmpo, 31, told reporters, “I’m available to play today. Right now. I’m available.” The game marked his 10th consecutive absence since hyperextending his left knee and sustaining a bone bruise against the Indiana Pacers on March 15.
Antetokounmpo also said the Bucks have not approached him about returning since the injury. “For somebody to come and tell me to not play or not to compete, it’s like a slap in my face,” he added.
Team, union and coach react
Sources said Milwaukee considered shutting Antetokounmpo down for the remainder of the season shortly after the injury, but he declined. The National Basketball Players Association subsequently accused the Bucks of “tanking” and harming the league’s integrity in a statement issued late last month.
Head coach Doc Rivers, speaking after Friday’s defeat, noted that coaches are not part of the medical decision-making process. “The tough part about all this is that I’m in the middle and I have nothing to do with it,” Rivers said. “I think there are two sides to this, but I don’t want to get too involved in it.”
Season context
Milwaukee was eliminated from playoff contention on March 28, ending an eight-season postseason streak. Antetokounmpo has appeared in only 36 games this year, the fewest of his career, after dealing with two calf strains, an adductor strain and the current knee injury.
With five regular-season games left, Antetokounmpo has continued his customary pregame workouts, reportedly increasing their intensity to show he is ready. Rivers said last week that the forward had not practiced with the team.
The league’s inquiry remains ongoing.
Source: ESPN
