By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The head coach of Panathinaikos Aktor, Ergin Ataman, was sanctioned with a one-game suspension and a fine of 5,000 euros for statements constituting defamation of the sport following Game 4 of the Stoiximan GBL Finals against Olympiacos in the Peace and Friendship Stadium, SEF, on June 8.
The 59-year-old Turkish tactician will serve the suspension at the top of the 2025-26 domestic schedule.
Sidelined due to injury but supporting his side from the bench, Mathias Lessort was handed a strict written reprimand and a fine of 3,000 euros for his actions constituting defamation of the sport during Game 4 of the championship series.
The latest disciplinary decisions of the Greek sports judge announced on Monday extended to a strict written reprimand and two fines of 10,000 euros to Panathinaikos for the above actions of Ataman of Lessort.
In addition, the 29-year-old French center was issued a fine of 1,100 euros for inappropriate behavior against a referee of Game 4. Fines of 1,100 euros for the same reasons were issued to basketball and communication director Dimitris Kontos and technical director Sani Becirovic.
Falling to archrival Olympiacos in Game 4 at SEF marked the end of the 2024-25 season for the Greens, with the Reds capturing the Greek league championship in four games.
Ataman’s side previously topped the OPAP Final 8 to lift the domestic Cup in February. At the continental level, the defense of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague championship settled in fourth place in the Final Four 2025.