How the association defends Saibou’s controversial nomination
Stand: 4:38 p.m.
Basketball player is suing his dismissal
After participating in a demonstration by Corona deniers in Berlin, Telekom Baskets Bonn terminated the national player Joshiko Saibou without notice. In contrast, he is now complaining that it is a “slap in the face of freedom of expression”.
The German basketball players surprisingly go into the Olympic qualification with Joshiko Saibou, who was shot in Bonn. After the nomination was heavily criticized on social media, DBB Vice President Armin Andres takes a position in the WELT interview.
Basceticball national coach Henrik Rödl has named his 16-man squad for the Olympic summer. The national team is preparing for the Supercup in Hamburg (June 18-20) from Monday. Then there is a game against Senegal in Heidelberg on June 24th. The qualifying tournament for the Olympics will take place in Split from June 29th to July 4th. Germany meets Russia and Mexico in the preliminary round. Only the winner of the tournament is in Tokyo.
In addition to NBA professional Daniel Theis (Chicago Bulls), Maxi Kleber from the Dallas Mavericks will also be missing. Joshiko Saibou, on the other hand, is surprising. The 31-year-old point guard made headlines last year because he took part in a demonstration against government measures to contain the corona pandemic in Berlin. Telekom Baskets Bonn then separated from Saibou, which Saibou had sued. In the end there was an amicable agreement between the two parties.
Joshiko Saibou and his girlfriend, the long jumper Alexandra Wester, before the labor court. Both had participated in a demonstration against government measures to contain the d…he participated in pandemic
Those: pa / dpa / Roberto Pfeil
After Saibou’s nomination was heavily criticized on social media, DBB Vice President Armin Andres takes a position in the WELT interview.
Armin Andres im Interview
WORLD: Why did national coach Joshiko Saibou nominate again?
Armin Andres: There are of course sporting reasons for this. First and foremost, Joshiko has shown strong performances at his new club in France. Due to failures such as Ismet Akpinar or Paul Zipser and the thin squad due to the problem of players joining the team later, additional players were nominated. Joshiko has often played well in the national team and can be integrated quickly.
WORLD: What role did Saibou’s remarks on the coronavirus and conspiracy theories play in the current nomination?
Andres: A big! Even then, we reacted immediately and, as an association, clearly distanced ourselves from Joshiko’s statements. Even then we explained to him that there can only be a return to the national team if Joshiko explains what he said and clearly distances himself from them. There was now a very open and honest conversation between me and Joshiko over the phone. We’ll sit down in Hamburg and shed some light on what happened back then. Joshiko has the absolute will to play for Germany again. But before he can play for Germany, we will coordinate what is absolutely necessary.
Free throw: Joshiko Saibou returns to the national team
Source: pa / Eibner-Presse / Kohring / Eibner-Pressefoto
WORLD: Did the DBB expect so many negative reactions to the nomination?
Andres: So much criticism, even in the violent form, surprised me. But I can understand that, even if I find the type and form of some of the contributions not very factual.
WORLD: The DBB has announced that they want to speak intensively with the player. What criteria does Saibou have to meet in order to remain part of the team?
Andres: Joshiko clearly has to distance himself from some things he has said in the past – towards the DBB and teammates. This is the only way we can see an opportunity to return to the team. If mistakes are recognized, everyone deserves a second chance.
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