NBA investigates Milwaukee Bucks over Giannis Antetokounmpo fitness dispute
The NBA has launched an investigation into the Milwaukee Bucks after Giannis Antetokounmpo publicly disputed the franchise’s claim that he is medically unfit to play.
The two-time league Most Valuable Player insists he is completely healthy and available for selection.
However, his team maintains that the 29-year-old is still recovering from a left knee hyperextension and a bone bruise.
This unprecedented clash has prompted league officials to intervene under their strict Player Participation Policy.
Growing friction over fitness
The Greek forward has not featured since landing awkwardly following a dunk against the Indiana Pacers on 15 March.
He was subsequently ruled out of Sunday’s fixture against the Memphis Grizzlies, marking his 11th consecutive absence.
That latest omission means the former NBA champion has missed a career-high 42 games this season.
An NBA spokesperson confirmed that certain facts regarding the superstar’s recovery process remain heavily disputed.
“The investigation has found that the Bucks scheduled Giannis to work out last week in three-on-three scrimmages as part of his return-to-play process, but he declined to participate.”
The league statement added that officials are continuing to monitor the escalating situation closely.
‘A slap in my face’
The eight-time All-Star has recently been participating in pre-game warm-ups without any visible physical limitations.
Speaking prior to a heavy defeat against the Boston Celtics on Friday, the franchise cornerstone expressed immense frustration with his employers.
“I’m healthy. I hate it when people force me to do things against my nature. I’m a player. I get paid to play.”
“You know who you’re dealing with. So, for somebody to come and tell me to not play or to not compete, it’s like a slap in my face.”
Extension talks loom large
This public war of words arrives at a particularly turbulent time for the struggling Eastern Conference outfit.
Milwaukee were officially eliminated from post-season contention in late March, ending an impressive streak of nine consecutive playoff appearances.
Speculation is now mounting over the future of the generational talent who delivered their first championship in 50 years back in 2021.
The highly coveted forward becomes eligible to sign a lucrative four-year contract extension worth up to $275m (£217m) this October.