- Giannis Antetokounmpo says he wishes he could ‘go back in time’ after being exposed on Tuesday for Moe Wagner’s cruel head in the Milwaukee Bucks’ win over the Washington Wizards.
- “Terrible action,” Antetokounmpo said, according to ESPN. “If I could go back, turn back time and go back to that play, I would not do it.”
- He added: “But at the end of the day, we are all human, we all make mistakes.”
- Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said he believes the release could be “learning moment” for Antetokounmpo on how to keep his cool.
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Giannis Antetokounmpo says he wishes he could ‘go back in time’ after being sent off for heading an opponent in the Milwaukee Bucks’ win on Tuesday.
Antetokounmpo was sacked in the second quarter following an altercation with Mo Wagner, which resulted in the Greek star beating the Wizards forward.
—ESPN (@espn) August 12, 2020
“Terrible action,” Antetokounmpo said, according to ESPN. “If I could go back, turn back time and go back to that play, I would not do it.
“But at the end of the day, we’re all human, we all make mistakes. I think I’ve done a great job all year, in my career keeping my composure and focus on the game, but “At the end of the day, we’re human and make mistakes. But at the end of the day, you learn from it, stay with basketball, and keep going.”
The 25-year-old added that the headbutt was nothing personal against Wagner, and that he simply “lost it for a second.”
Antetokounmpo’s release was the third of his career in the NBA regular season and fourth overall including the playoffs.
Earlier this month, he also had to be restrained by officials after trying to charge at Brooklyn Nets striker Donta Hall, who had cheated on him when he competed for a rebounding position.
“He’s an MVP. People will try him,” Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer told ESPN. “He’s normally phenomenal, and was a slip-up today.
“I think it could probably somehow be one of the best things that happened today. And it’s a learning moment. We’ll all remember how important it is that we keep ourselves cool.”
Despite the relegation from Antetokounmpo, the Bucks held on for a 126-113 win over the Wizards, with Antetokounmpo finishing the game with 12 points and nine rebounds.
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