Bacon accuses Panathinaikos of threatening to break his legs, Greek club responds / News - Basketnews.com

Dwayne Bacon stated on Instagram Live that he hit Lefteris Mantzoukas after being provoked by him. Bacon also alleged that PAO put four security guards outside his home, threatening to break his legs if he went out. The Greek club refutes the player's claims.

Credit: Vangelis Stolis Credit Vangelis Stolis

Former Panathinaikos Athens swingman Dwayne Bacon revealed the reasons behind his departure from the Greek club.

Free throws this season

74%16,0Points made:16,0Accuracy:74,2%Place in standings:4Record max:26Record min:5Most made FTs:Dwayne BaconTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

While in the US, Bacon admitted on Instagram Live that he hit Lefteris Mantzoukas after his provocations.

"I beat Mantzoukas because he provoked me," Bacon said.

The former NBAer also added that PAO put four security guards outside his house, threatening to break his legs if he went out.

"They put four securities outside of my home, and they told the securities, who were standing in front of my door, if I leave to break my legs. All [of this] because we lost a game, like it was just my fault, not the whole team's," he continued.

Bacon argued that Panathinaikos were keeping him and two of his teammates under surveillance.

"They came to the locker room and said that, threatening us and putting security outside mine, Paris' and Derrick's house. It was a lot of bs. And I was still playing through everything -- my injuries, everything."

The Greek club's position, as distributed to the media, mentions that they were very patient with Bacon's disciplinary misconduct, adding that the former PAO player never respected the club.

"For months we tried to protect him and the reputation of the team from unprecedented situations," PAO claim.

"Unfortunately, we had to terminate our agreement with someone who never respected the team, the rules, and the locker room. A team is ruled by certain internal regulations for nights out, alcohol consumption, substances, schedules, behaviors, violence and everything that concerns its daily life.

There is no room for someone who disrespects Panathinaikos and its values," PAO' unofficial position mentions.

Dwayne Bacon

MIN:30.8PTS:16.59 (48.93%)REB:3.44As:1.96ST:0.74BL:0.15TO:1.26GM:27ProfileEuroLeague2022/2023

In relation to the four security guards that Bacon complained PAO had put outside his house, the Greek side states that the only reason for that happening was in order to protect the player from threats he had received during his nights out and ensure no harm was done to him.

Panathinaikos claim no security guards were stationed outside Paris Lee's or Derrick Williams' houses.

During his Instagram Live, Bacon also denied the accusation that he got drunk in Monaco with Mike James.

"I averaged 17 points per game, the most on the team by like five points. Bruh, stop believing everything you hear. I had to go through a lot of s**t there. Honestly, I do not really give a f**k about being home early, and I'm still getting my money. Tell the Greek reporters to report that," Bacon addressed the listeners.

After signing with PAO in October, the 27-year-old Bacon was let go by the Greek club for what was described as a serious disciplinary offense.

According to the contract that Bacon signed with PAO, there was a clause that allowed the club to part ways with the player if there were any disciplinary issues without having to wait for the season to end.

Bacon has been at the crossroads with the Panathinaikos organization multiple times this season.

After coming to Athens, Bacon has been the undeniable leader of the squad and finished the EuroLeague season, averaging 16.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists for 12 PIR.

Bacon's contract with Panathinaikos has already been terminated, even though the club hasn't communicated the development in the form of an official announcement. The former NBA player is free to choose his next destination.

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