Turkey’s failure in the pre-Olympic tournament it organized triggered chain reactions. In addition to what happened with Scotty Wilbekin and Shane Larkin, Cedi Osman (who also didn’t play due to a break) was also targeted, which brought Spurs’ response forward.

It started with a statement from Hedo Turkoglou, who argued in his statement: “We met Osman in the summer. He told us he didn’t want to play for the national team and I didn’t want to put pressure on him. You have to ask him why he didn’t play even though he wasn’t injured.”

Osman was informed of the relevant statements and decided to respond through his social media accounts and open them to the President of the Turkish Federation. Specifically, the Spurs striker said, among other things:

“I wore the national team jersey in 178 games at all ages and always gave my best. For the last 10 years – six of them in the NBA – I have been playing at the highest level and have noticed that it has left me mentally and physically exhausted and has had an impact on my health.

On June 2, he met with the Federation people – before the pre-Olympic squads were announced – and I asked them to sign off. I mentioned that I needed time to rest and recover. The President of the Federation, Hedo Turkoglou, was also present at the meeting, the discussion was in a positive atmosphere and I was told that I would be protected from any attacks I received.

I never turned down the national team. Nothing is more important to me. However, I don’t let anyone bully me in public. I want to say that I do not accept these allegations and will continue to tell the truth.”