BJ Blake no longer plays for the Giessen 46ers. The American returns home after his brother was shot weeks ago.
With immediate effect, BJ Blake no longer plays for the Bundesliga basketball team Gießen 46ers. As the Central Hesse announced on Friday, the American is returning to his home country. The contract was terminated earlier this week at Blake’s request. The 26-year-old is no longer there on Saturday against Bonn.
At the beginning of November, the brother of the Giessen top scorer was shot in the USA. Blake is already staying with the family at home. “Two days ago, BJ Blake informed me that he will not be able to play professional basketball any more, mentally and physically in the foreseeable future, and that he will have to be there for his family in the USA,” explained 46ers Managing Director Sebastian Schmidt in a press release.
Understanding of the decision
“After the shocking news from a few weeks ago, this is all too human. I can absolutely understand his decision and so we have agreed to terminate the contract. I wish BJ Blake and his family all the best,” continued Schmidt.
In purely sporting terms, the loss weighs heavily. Blake, who moved to Giessen in the summer, was one of the top performers at Mittelhessen. “In terms of sport, it is of course very bitter for us and another bad news,” admitted Schmidt.
A successor for Blake should be found quickly – but that should not be easy. “We are currently exploring the market, but it will be very difficult to find an adequate replacement,” said the 46ers managing director.
