Ataman speaks against Russian clubs boycott, suggests neutral courts solution / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Reuters – Scanpix Credit Reuters – Scanpix

During the record-breaking night in a perfect game against Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, there were things that got beyond one game and one sport. Head coach Ergin Ataman'smessage was clear. "Stop the war".

Player of the Game EFF 30 Vasilije Micic Points 20 Accuracy 7-9 Rebounds 0 Assists 10

However, upon the question of whether there should be a boycott against Russian teams, as Zalgiris GMPaulius Motiejunassuggested, he showed disagreement.

Ataman expressed his belief to find a solution and the urgency for a dialogue between the clubs in order not to leave any part damaged from this situation.

"We played and finished our games in EuroLeague scheduled in Russia. But I think sports should be unifying.

There are so many players, coaches, and players from the US and Europe, working there. Just like Ukrainian people, these are people who are trying to work there, and they should not suffer," noted Ataman.

However, Ataman also stated that he respects players and teams who don't want to play in Russia.

"We are a peaceful country, and I believe sports is a unifying force. I respect those players and teams who don't want to play there. Maybe neutral courts can be assigned for an interim basis to find a solution. I am expecting a solution in tomorrow's EuroLeague meeting.

But a boycott or those sort of things solely addressed against the Russian clubs would be against the spirit of sports," he concluded.

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