By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Following Zeljko Obradovic’s apology, Crvena Zvezda’s request for suspension until the end of the season, and Partizan’s announcement about his internal sanction, Mathias Lessort apologizes after his post-game action against Filip Petrusev and Crvena Zvezda in an interview with Mozzart Sport.
“First I want to apologize to the fans and people who support us and those who love this sport and showed me incredible love and respect also to my teammates, my coaching staff, and the organization for reacting like this and showing a bad image of myself and our club. As athletes, we are held to higher standards and should always lead by example and show composure in any situation”, he first said.
Then, he went on to explain his actions, pointing his finger at Petrusev. “However it’s the first time in 9 years of professional basketball that I’m involved in such an incident, unlike the other protagonists who have a rich history of being involved in this type of mess. I only felt the need of protecting myself and my dignity after multiple provocations as the one in the fourth quarter when he hit me not as hard but to a stop where it cuts my breathing”, Lessort said.
“If it was only words I wouldn’t react at all and would leave it on the and as pure basketball and would never lose my cool as I did. I don’t use this as an excuse, but I just think that our fans and basketball fans who watched us yesterday should know what happened and know the truth. I didn’t attack but I reacted unfortunately in a way that was wrong and that should not happen on a basketball court and should just enjoy this great victory with my teammates and fans”, the French center finally added.
PHOTO CREDIT: ABA League