Following the Bucks’ loss to the 76ers in Philadelphia on Friday night, Giannis Antetokounmpo was involved in an bizarre confrontation with Sixers forward Montrezl Harrell and a Wells Fargo Center worker.
The incident took place an hour after the game ended, when Giannis returned to the court to practice free throws. As the Bucks superstar went through his postgame routine, Harrell, who was also on the court getting shots up, stole the ball from Giannis and wouldn’t give it back.
The situation culminated in Giannis confronting a Sixers employee who was standing alongside a ladder while fixing something under the basket. Footage that’s since circulated social media shows Giannis telling the worker to move the ladder, before forcibly tossing it to the side.
After returning to the visiting locker room following the altercation, Giannis told reporters the ladder incident was taken out of context.
“I respect every player. I know some players don’t play now, they want to get some extra work, want to work on their skills and stuff, and I said, obviously we can shoot together,” he explained. “They said, they told me no, this is their court, I should leave. I was like, I have three more free throws, I was at seven, I want to try to make 10 in a row. I shot my eighth one. Came and took the ball away from me and I was very surprised. I feel like it’s very unprofessional. I would never take the ball away from a professional athlete when he’s trying to do his job.”
He added: “I’ve never tried to disrespect anyone in any way, shape or form. I feel like today is just an unfortunate event that took place.”
