Ettore Messina, in an interview with Meridian Sport, discussed the infamous “Shabazz Napier” case that stirred up a storm in the media.
The experienced Italian coach emphasizes that his words were poorly and maliciously conveyed in the media.
“I was joking: He (Shabazz Napier) would probably like to be with us now. The journalist released it as a statement. If you noticed, there was no reaction from that journalist. That tells you enough. No, that tells you everything.”
Ettore Messina points out how the image sent to the public regarding the whole situation bothers him significantly.
“Of course, it all bothers me! I have the utmost respect for Napier. He came to Milano, played very well, and we won the title together against a great team like Virtus… And, of course, we wanted him to stay in the club, we were sad that we couldn’t keep him. But, that’s life.