By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Giannakopoulos who is “touched” by the support of the players, the coach and the fans of Panathinaikos thinks that there might be a way to reconcile with the EuroLeague, but on the other hand, he also thinks that the Greek club should leave the competition.
Speaking about the statements made by EuroLeague CEO Jordi Bertomeu yesterday, Giannakopoulos explains that “at some points, I find that we agree, whether we still have endless disagreements that need to be resolved. Where I agree is that there must be mutual respect and that we must move ALL in a friendly and athletic context. The way I am treated with this unjust and unlawful punishment of Euroleague is far from what the concept of respect is, with the culmination of yesterday’s unfortunate move to send my photo to the security stuff of arenas across Europe, as if I am a wanted man and not a respected member who invests time, money and energy for the good of the sport. I also agree that Euroleague needs Panathinaikos and that Panathinaikos should be part of the competition in which the biggest clubs of Europe play”.
However, in order for this to happen, Giannakopoulos asks for Euroleague to “acknowledge their mistake and annul the unjust punishment which was imposed to me so that our relationship can return to its former situation”.
Giannakopoulos also regrets that his “absolutely justified reaction to an unfairness has been considered disrespect”. The bottom line remains that Giannakopoulos insist on the “decision to withdraw from the EuroLeague if not all the member of Panathinaikos are not treated with due respect for one of its eleven founding members”.
“I am willing to take on any financial sacrifice so that Panathinaikos will compete in a tournament in which the club will enjoy the respect it deserves, even if it is necessary to pay millions of clauses”, writes Giannakopoulos and no fans’ vote will be held. “There’s no need for a vote, the fans spoke yesterday”.
That’s why Panathinaikos will finish the season in the EuroLeague and as Giannakopoulos writes: “I will respect my temporary punishment by the Euroleague (which has not suspended the decision until it has been judged by the appeal panel), but if I am not vindicated, this season will be the last with me and Panathinaikos at the competition. At the moment we will fight until the end, we will confront the system that creates obstacles for us and will give our all in order to win a seventh EuroLeague trophy. Against all and everyone, we want to feel the ultimate joy of the trophy delivery from Mr. Bertomeu’s hands to Panathinaikos’ hands”.
In the end of the statement, Giannakopoulos confirmed that there’s a deal with Mike James: “In this context, I inform you that Panathinaikos and Mike James have agreed on everything and the player is on his way to OAKA, waiting only for his formal release from the Pelicans”. James still has a two-way contract with New Orleans, but it seems that he is on his way out.
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