Crvena Zvezda has released a statement explaining the situation with point guard Shabazz Napier.
Napier was warming up before the game against Real Madrid but then refused to play. Crvena Zvezda head coach Ioannis Sfairopoulos later clarified that he no longer counts on Napier, and subsequently, it was announced that the American player had agreed to move to Milano.
Here is the full statement from Crvena Zvezda regarding this situation:
“KK Crvena Zvezda, in order to prevent further speculation and numerous inaccuracies (which have been abundant in recent days) and to protect the integrity of our coach, Mr. Ioannis Sfairopoulos, informs the public as follows:
Player Shabazz Napier requested on December 18, 2023, to leave our club and informed the head coach of KK Crvena Zvezda, Ioannis Sfairopoulos, who transparently communicated about this case on two occasions in a short period.
As it is the club’s policy not to force anyone who does not see themselves as part of the club and does not feel a sense of belonging to the team, KK Crvena Zvezda has reached an amicable termination of the contract with Shabazz Napier, including a clear clause stipulating that the player can only play for the Italian club “Olimpia Armani” from Milano.
The amicable termination was signed on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, in Belgrade with the consent of both parties. KK Crvena Zvezda has exclusively informed, and will continue to inform, the public through its official channels transparently about its everyday activities, including the club’s transfer policy” – states the statement from the team at Mali Kalemegdan.