Ettore Messina: 'We cannot accept doping, our values are the most important things' / News - Basketnews.com

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After winning against FC Bayern Munich and securing the home-court advantage for the playoffs, coach Ettore Messina talked to the reporters in the post-game press conference.

Player of the Game EFF 29 Nicolo Melli Points 11 Accuracy 2-5 Rebounds 13 Assists 6

The Italian head coach said this was a very important victory for his team, especially after a very difficult day.

"This was an important win at the end of a very difficult day," Messina noted in his post-game conference. "We didn't do a good job in the first half, our defense was too soft. In the second half, we raised our physicality, and the fans gave us great support."

After that, coach Messina answered a question about the situation of Dinos Mitoglou, who was found positive after an anti-doping control.

"As a club this season and in the past few years, we always did our best to compete in the right way, respecting ourselves, the opponents, and the game," Messina said. "What happened with Moraschini and Mitoglou... We're still waiting for more info on Mitoglou's case."

"Still, for the things that are important for us as a club, I want to reiterate that we do not have any tolerance for doping, whether it was just superficiality or if it was done with intention," the Italian coach added.

"This is the only thing that matters," Messina continued. "We cannot accept doping. I hope that Mitoglou will have the opportunity to explain himself, I hope that it was only a mistake, but our values are the most important things."

"I'm extremely sorry, especially for the people that work in our medical department, because since the start of the season, they've been working day and night, reminding everyone what it's allowed and what it's not.

So when these things happen outside, again, whether it's a mistake or something else, I don't know. I'm not a cop. The whole situation disturbs me and the club a lot," Messina concluded.

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