THE John Papapetrou Hosted on the Podcast “Euro Insiders” and referred to the period when Ergkin Ataman put him out of Panathinaicfor a breach of the Rules of Procedure, early December 2024.
Ioannis Papapetrou referred to this difficult time, stressing that he felt wronged. However, Panathinaikos’ forward pointed out that he had to respect the decision of Ergkin Ataman and the Association, even if he did not agree with it.
He also talked about how difficult it was to manage the paraphrase that emerged on social media – relatively to the reasons that came out of the group – noting that even his family was influenced by what they were heard.
What he said:
“It’s something I never talked about, the media can create … parties whenever this happens. A lot was heard, that I quarreled with my teammates, I was laughing at my girlfriend with these stories. But at the same time I couldn’t go out and talk, as I didn’t want to create another drama, I had to protect the team.
There are times in a season when many players are not happy with their time to play or the way they play. I have always thought that regardless of whether you like the way you play, you get some money to do your job as best you can. But that doesn’t mean you are not discouraged. We are human, we are sad when we do not play and unhappy when we are injured.
So there are some spaces in the games that I didn’t play for many minutes or made a change for trivial reasons, at least in my mind. At the time I came out, I was unhappy, as if I was asking why I was changing. But I didn’t talk, I didn’t say anything, I just went to my place on the bench and didn’t play in the rest of the game and finally lost.
In such groups, sometimes one has to take on the role of ‘evil’ and be punished, something must be done. I appreciate the way the team’s friends reacted to the news. When this happens, there may be many reasons, such as being quoted with the coach or the team or you did something that shows disrespect for the club. Or it can be a decision of the team you do not agree with, as in my case. But I had to respect it and remain calm. The easiest thing for me would be to go out the next day and say that I did nothing from what was heard, but the team had to move on. There was, however, a lot of paraphrase and stories that have nothing to do with reality.
I felt unjust, for sure. If you look at it on the other hand, it is not right to become a change and look unhappy, it is not the best. On the other hand, it’s something that often happens in basketball with many players, I didn’t go beyond the limits, I didn’t find the coach, I didn’t quarrel with my teammates, nor did I throw a bottle. But you always have to think about the other side, we see a lot of people and you have to keep your peace of mind whatever happens. Something you don’t find so bad, the team or the coach can judge as something important.
Even if you feel unjust, many things are unfair and I grew up knowing that I can’t control what others are doing. Whatever happens, however, you have to stay calm, many people see you and you have to take care of your image. From the beginning I said that I don’t think I did something so bad, and I want to come back and help. I get paid to help, not to sit at my house.
I tried to stay ready while I was out, physically and mentally. Worst of all, I could not control the stories that were circulating or defend myself. My mother was calling me crying and saying “they write that you are arguing with your teammates, that you did it and the other”, friends asked me what happened. I know who I am, and the people around me know me, but it’s not nice to hear such things.
It was a bad time emotionally, but I always see the positives from what is happening. It didn’t take any discussion, nor any apology, they just got me from the team and told me that I was back after a few days. I talked to the president and told me that I was in this position for some reason and I have to respect my coach’s decision. I greatly appreciate the way he talked to me, life goes on. I didn’t get it personally, I tried to stay positive and professional, and it was difficult. “