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Photo: AFP – Scanpix
AFP Photo – Scanpix
Enes Kanter, who spoke actively against Turkish President Recep Erdogan’s regime, spoke about the harsh behavior of NBA compatriots. According to the Boston Celtics Center, Turks competing in the elite league avoid public contact with him for fear of possible consequences.
He accepts this separation from his compatriots very personally, but says he understands them perfectly.
Here is Canter’s story on the Bill Simmons website:
“Ersan Ilyasova plays in Milwaukee, Cedi Osman in Cleveland, Furkan Korkmaz in Philadelphia, but when we have a game, they don’t say a word.”
I try to talk to them, ask them how they are, but they don’t respond. They may be afraid of the Turkish authorities. If you see a photo or video of the moment of communication, there may be a problem. I even try to cover my mouth with a shirt and start a conversation like that, but they just walk away from me.
He had to play with Ersan in Oklahoma and the national team. Cedi and Furkan together with my brother Kerem Kanter played in the national team. That kind of behavior hurts me more. They are scared.
After all, these basketball players represent Turkey. As soon as the party unites us, I pray for them. I always hope that my team wins, but at the same time, they play well. They represent their families, their country and their loved ones. I respect these guys and don’t blame them, I understand their fear. When the situation and the regime in Turkey change, I am sure that their attitude will change at the same time.
When I was invited to the rookie exchange, they told me I was from Turkey before I was introduced. And it made me feel proud and happy, but now my home country calls me a terrorist. We make fun of him with my teammates because they know how I am, I always try to help those around me. ”
The 28-year-old center lost his native passport to the Turkish president due to his political line and chosen criticism, and is now seeking US citizenship. The family also suffered from Canter’s comments: in late June, the father was released from prison seven years later.
The player himself has repeatedly spoken out in public about the perceived harassment, and therefore does not set foot outside of the U.S.
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