Overview
- Antetokounmpo and Sengun posted a photo of themselves hugging with a caption saying sports should unite rather than divide.
- Antetokounmpo apologized after being recorded on Instagram Live telling viewers to remove Turkish flags from his feed following Greece’s bronze-medal game.
- Sengun said his caption—loosely translated as “Wouldn’t the sea weather be nice?”—was a communication mistake after many Greeks linked it to the 1922 Smyrna tragedy.
- Turkey’s 94–68 semifinal win over Greece provided the backdrop for the flare-up, with Sengun posting 15 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists while Antetokounmpo was held to 12 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists.
- Coverage highlighted heightened public sensitivity to the remarks, with one outlet reporting threats directed at Antetokounmpo before both players urged calm.