Giannis on the scene with Harel: “I will not mess with anyone, I have children”

Giannis Antetokounmpo was in the spotlight for releasing a VIDEO showing him throwing a ladder on the ground after the game against the Sixers (110-102 loss), with his reaction surprising. News that this commotion was caused by a series of unprofessional moves by Montrezl Harrell explained a few things. And now the Bucks star has spoken out on the matter.

Giannis spoke to the media after the game, with the talk – of course – being about the incredible backdrop, with the ‘Greek Freak’ recounting what happened. “I don’t disrespect anyone in any way.” Antetokounmpo initially said and then expanded:

“I feel like an unfortunate incident happened today. I think people didn’t respect that sometimes we as players want to work harder. I think it’s unprofessional to throw someone off the field, take the ball away from them or anything like that. Or put a ladder in front of him when he’s just trying to get his job done. That’s what we get paid for. You didn’t choose us. We’ll get paid.”

Giannis then went into more detail about the incident, explaining: “It’s funny because I have a basketball court at my house and my kids shoot, but when it gets 9pm I go and get the ball from them. I think we’re more mature than that. We’re professional athletes trying to do our job.

I respect every player. I know players who don’t play want to do extra work after the game. You can go and ask (ss Harel). I suggested he shoot, let’s shoot together. They refused and told me it was their dish and I had to go. I told them I only had three shots left, I’d hit 7 in a row and was going to try and make it 10.

I hit my 8th shot and he came and took the ball. I was surprised. I found that very unprofessional. I would never take the ball from a professional athlete trying to do their job. I then went back into the locker room and they had put a ladder in front of me. I said, “Can you please move the ladder?” They said, “No.” I said again, “Can you please move the ladder?”; And they said no.

I don’t know if I should apologize because I don’t feel like I did anything bad other than falling down the ladder. I feel like it’s my right to work on my game after a bad night off the line. I think anyone in my position would do the same. And if not, then they don’t care about the game.

At the end of the day, people will see things the way they want to see them. Did I want to throw down the ladder? Definitely no. I was just trying to move her and she fell. But people will see what they want. i know what happened I think there are cameras all over the stadium. We can see the whole scene, from the moment someone came and took the ball out of my hand to the moment they were in front of my face. I do not understand any of this.

I think everyone knows who I am and that I don’t disrespect anyone in the NBA, from the coaching staff to the opposing team. I respect them all. I never show disrespect. And when I do my routine after every game, I always shake hands with all the ball boys, which I’ve been doing since my rookie year, because I want to thank them for their work, because I know they work hard. I know it’s hard chasing balls over and over again. That’s me.”

Closing the matter, Giannis made it clear that he had no intention of taking matters further or becoming more involved with Harel: “I will not mess with anyone. I have kids now, I need to protect my money. Now if you think that’s disrespectful, then think so.”