The Turkish Basketball Federation President Hedo Turkoglu briefly talked about the appeals process of Shane Larkin and Scottie Wilbekin, who received harsh punishments for failing to turn up for the Turkish national team this summer.
The Turkish Basketball Federation President Hedo Turkoglu provided an update on the crisis that unraveled in the Turkey men's basketball national team this summer.
The former player talked about the ban imposed on Shane Larkin and Scottie Wilbekin, which gave them a 5-game suspension and took away their status as local players in the Turkish Basketball Super League.
Larkin and Wilbekin retaliated by objecting to the decision in an appellate court.
"I do not think it is a good idea to talk about this issue since it hasn't been resolved legally," Turkoglu said after being asked about recent developments regarding the matter.
"I believe the legal process will be finalized in these days. After that, either I or someone else from the Federation will give a statement," Turkoglu added.
The two players had failed to show up to perform their national team duties this year at the 2023 FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament in Istanbul, which Turkey lost in the final game against Croatia.
Although both players maintain that they had injuries that prevented them from playing, the Federation and Ataman claim that the two Americans did not communicate effectively with the national team.
Their absence was harshly criticized by both Turkoglu and the team's head coach, Ergin Ataman.
Turkey is currently on a disappointing streak after failing to qualify for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup and the 2024 FIBA Men's Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
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