By Antonis Stroggylakis/ info@eurohoops.net
Normally, AS Monaco center Donatas Motiejunas would talk about some of the many topics that came out of the important EuroLeague win of his team over Fenerbahce Beko. The Lithuanian big man could comment on Monaco’s spectacular first half and how they even got a 28-point lead. Maybe he could address possible defensive improvements. Some words about his 18 points and nine rebounds; another demonstration of his top form over the last couple of months, would be in the program. Or how Monaco has now won eight out of the last 10 games to emerge as a serious playoffs contender in its maiden season in the competition.
But that’s “normally” and what is going on right now in Europe is far from normal while Ukraine is under attack by Russia since Thursday’s invasion. So when Motiejunas was asked about the match in the post-game flash interview, he flat out refused to discuss anything related to basketball and instead proceeded to make his own plea for peace.
“First of all we should take a moment of silence for all the things that are going on right now in Europe,” Motiejunas said. “A lot of innocent people are dying… please stop the war in Ukraine. Our thoughts and prayers are with that country right now.”
He added a simple “Thank you” and left for the locker room.
Monaco got a big win over Fenerbahce but Donatas Motiejunas didn't want to talk about the game at all
"A lot of innocent people are dying. Please stop the war in Ukraine. Our thoughts and prayers are with that country right now" pic.twitter.com/yGmtDdZqt4
— Antonis Stroggylakis (@AStroggylakis) February 25, 2022