By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
Andrew Andrews remains part of Panathinaikos roster, even if he is inactive, as coach Dejan Radonjic said on Saturday after his team’s win over Ionikos for the Greek League.
However, Andrews still occupies one of the seven eligible non-Greek players spots in the Greek League roster – though six of them can be used in a game, depending on the choice of the club before the tipoff – and after months of speculation, he explains his stance.
In a written statement sent to Eurohoops, the US guard clarifies his status with the team and why he is not signing the paperwork needed for the change in the Greek League roster, a situation that has turned into a major issue.
“A lot of talk has been going on about my situation that I’ve kept quiet about because I know as a professional none of its personal it’s business. But once my integrity as a man is questioned, I will speak.
This summer I choose Panathinaikos over other Euroleague offers with a chance to compete in the second-best league in the world. I treated it as such, arriving early and staying late for practice, daily, to contribute to the team when given the opportunity.
I understand this is a business. When the team approached me about the Greek league document, they told me it would not affect my Euroleague status. But, before I could sign the document, I was already out of the 12-man Euroleague roster.
So, I informed the team that I would sign the Greek document (week 5 of Euroleague) if I would be given the opportunity to showcase my abilities to other EuroLeague teams by the transfer deadline (week 17). Panathinaikos would not agree to give me an opportunity to help find another Euroleague team, despite performing well when given the chance.
I told my teammates beforehand that I wasn’t signing the document and they have given me their support throughout this time. Regardless of my situation, I support my teammates because I want all of them to win. Not a soul in the locker room will say different.
My professionalism and work ethic speak for themselves. I see all the comments from my peers and fans who voiced their support and confidence that I belong in EL I appreciate you.
18mins avg 8pts 2 assist shooting 42% from 2pt and 63% from 3 playing 2/3 (lol)”.
It has to be noted that while Andrews has not played since October, he still has a contract with Panathinaikos and the two sides have not yet agreed on a release formula.
With the addition of Dwayne Bacon, Panathinaikos has signed a total of eight non-Greek players with Marius Grigonis not being among the seven who are part of the Greek League roster. There’s no such restriction in the EuroLeague roster.