The NBA has launched an inquiry into the Milwaukee Bucks over possible breaches of the league’s player participation policy and conflicting information about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s health, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported.
League investigators have already interviewed Antetokounmpo, team executives and medical personnel, according to the report.
Charania indicated that the two sides offered different accounts. Team officials say the two-time MVP is not ready to return, while Antetokounmpo insists he is fit but still awaiting clearance to play.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, the forward hinted at friction with the organization. “You know who you are dealing with,” he said via The Athletic. “So for somebody to come and tell me not to play or not to compete, it’s like a slap in my face.”
“I’m available to play right now,” he added. “I don’t know what game is being played right here, I just don’t want to be a part of it.”
Antetokounmpo has been out since March 15 with what the Bucks have called a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise. He told reporters he has felt healthy for weeks.
The organization has weighed shutting him down for the rest of the season, a plan the 29-year-old star opposes. “What are you telling me? The next time I’m going to play basketball is October? Why? I don’t want to do that,” he said. “It’s almost like you waved the white flag and I don’t do that.”
The NBA has not announced a timeline for completing its investigation.
Source: Hoops Wire
