By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Surrounded by several incidents marking the Stoiximan GBL Finals, the head coach of Panathinaikos Aktor, Ergin Ataman, went on to label Thomas Walkup, Sasha Vezenkov, and Tyler Dorsey of Olympiacos as ‘fake’ Greek players.
His view, presented following the championship-clinching win of the Reds over the Greens on Sunday, stirred controversy and reached the Greek Federation.
“We did not react immediately because we understand that in moments of tension he may have said things that he actually does not believe,” noted the press release on Wednesday, “Of course, we expect Mr. Ataman, as a coach who serves another national team and knows what it means to compete with your national team, to recognize his mistake and withdraw his unfortunate statements.”
Beyond the situation with the Turkish expert, the Federation addressed more issues stemming from the recent Finals of the Greek League, including allegations about a criminal organization working within the basketball system. “We call on anyone with information to submit it within two days before referring this case to the prosecutor,” the announcement set a deadline.
The Federation also revealed a plan to call a meeting between league officials and teams, the state, and more involved parties, to guarantee unity across Greek basketball.
Following a government decision to suspend a best-of-five series between Olympiacos and Panathinaikos, action resumed with the Reds stealing the homecourt advantage in Game 3. From there, they picked up the 15th domestic league championship in team history by prevailing in Game 4.
Mathias Lessort returns to sports judge
Meanwhile, Olympiacos filed a complaint against Mathias Lessort for an obscene gesture to fans in the Peace and Friendship Stadium, after being ordered to leave the bench late in Game 4.
💢🚨Olympiacos filed a complaint against Mathias Lessort for obscene gesture towards the fans in Game 4 of the Greek League Finals! pic.twitter.com/MzecUuBkEf
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) June 11, 2025
The 29-year-old French big, supporting the Greens from the bench throughout the Finals due to injury, previously faced the Greek sports judge after being tossed from Game 2. He was eventually cleared, avoiding a sanction for his actions.