05/12/26 06:31:00
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05/12 18:30 CDT NBA concludes its investigation of Antetokounmpo-Bucks injury
dispute, AP source says
NBA concludes its investigation of Antetokounmpo-Bucks injury dispute, AP
source says
By STEVE MEGARGEE
AP Sports Writer
MILWAUKEE (AP) --- The NBA's investigation into the dispute between Giannis
Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks regarding the two-time MVP's injury
status has concluded with a determination that no further action is warranted
under the circumstances, a person familiar with the situation said Tuesday.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because
no resolution has been announced. ESPN first reported that the investigation
had concluded.
Antetokounmpo left a March 15 victory over the Indiana Pacers early after an
awkward landing on a dunk, and he didn't play again the rest of the season due
to what Bucks officials described as a left knee hyperextension and bone
bruise. Antetokounmpo said in the last few weeks of the season that he was
healthy and wanted to play.
"I did what I was supposed to do," Antetokounmpo said after the Bucks' final
game of the season. "I wasn't able to come on the court now. Who has that say?
It comes from above. I thought I had control. OK, if I'm healthy, I'm going to
play. This just shows me that not just me, players in general, don't have no
control. No, I didn't feel like I had control."
The NBA had announced on April 4 that an investigation into the dispute was
ongoing. The National Basketball Players Association had referenced
Antetokounmpo while issuing a statement in late March recommending anti-tanking
measures.
"The Player Participation Policy was designed by the league to hold teams
accountable and ensure that when an All-Star like Giannis Antetokounmpo is
healthy and ready to play, he is on the court," the union had said in its
statement. "Unfortunately, anti-tanking policies are only as effective as their
enforcement; fans, broadcast partners, and the integrity of the game itself
will continue to suffer as long as ownership goes unchecked. We look forward to
collaborating with the NBA on meaningful new proposals that will directly
address and discourage tanking."
Antetokounmpo had two extended absences due to calf strains this season and
played a career-low 36 games as the Bucks went 32-50 to snap a string of nine
straight playoff appearances. Doc Rivers stepped down as coach the day after
the Bucks' final game.
Antetokounmpo has spent his entire 13-year career in Milwaukee and led the
2020-21 Bucks to the franchise's first title since 1971. But the nine-time
All-NBA forward's future with the Bucks is uncertain.
The Bucks can offer Antetokounmpo a four-year, $275 million contract extension
in October. If Antetokounmpo doesn't sign, he could become a free agent after
next season. Or the Bucks could decide to trade him beforehand.
Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam said last week at new coach Taylor Jenkins'
introductory news conference that he'd like the matter settled before the June
23-24 draft.
"Giannis has brought Milwaukee its second championship and the first in 50
years," Haslam said. "He's a phenomenal player. He's a phenomenal person. He's
arguably one of the best basketball players in the world and we will do what's
best for Giannis and what's best for the organization. We don't know whether
Giannis will stay with us or not, but we'll work through that with Giannis in
the coming weeks."
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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba
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