The internet is both at a loss and ganging up on Giannis Antetokounmpo on Saturday after the Milwaukee Bucks superstar was recorded slapping the hell out of a Greece national basketball team teammate.
Greece were on an exhibition game and while Antetokounmpo did not play, he was animated on the bench. His energy, however, translated negatively during a huddle when he slapped the hell out of a teammate which according to a quick observation seemed unprovoked.
Some also thought that it was not a playful slap between teammates. It was not two teammates joking around. The Greek Freak started with some sort of motivational speech while they were on a circle and then turned his attention to a teammate who was identified as Giannoulis Larentzakis who has been part of the national team for almost a decade now.
Larentzakis, 31, is older than Antetokounmpo.
Why did Giannis Antetokounmpo slap Larentzakis like that 😭
🎥 giannispan_/TikTok pic.twitter.com/kuwtbvEMvd
— BasketNews (@BasketNews_com) August 16, 2025
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s action has some fans feeling disturbed
It is still unknown what went on during this exchange although head coach Vassilis Spanoulis spoke about Giannis’ energy during the exhibition.
“Giannis brings energy to every practice and every huddle,” the coach said.
“His teammates know him and understand his passion.”
Nevertheless, the internet would not let his violent action get swept under the rug.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is seen slapping Giannoulis Larentzakis, a player for the Greek national team and Olympiacos. The slap, which appears unprovoked and aggressive, happened as the team prepares for EuroBasket 2025.
(🎥: via giannispan_ @tiktok)
pic.twitter.com/qnbLKEnDak
— SpursRΞPORTΞR (@SpursReporter) August 16, 2025
😭😭😭Bro what is wrong with Giannis https://t.co/0aSA5oQEPm
— LegendOfWinning (@LegendOfWinning) August 16, 2025
Ain’t no damn way. Don’t care who you are https://t.co/cuZO0wJU0I
— Jamie (@js3kbullies) August 17, 2025
Some accuse of faking his wholesome aura.
Every year or so, he reminds everyone that beneath his peace-and-love persona lies a monster https://t.co/uMwJqm6C9d
— CelticsForum (@CelticsForum0) August 17, 2025
Others want him out of the team.
Αυτό πάντως δεν είναι αστείο αν δεν έχει πει τόσο μεγάλη και χοντρή μαλάκια ο λαρετζακης ο Αντετοκούμπο πρέπει να μείνει εκτός ομάδας #paobc #OlympiacosBC https://t.co/WZP4Q5i81H
— τζιμπιτζιδης (@Donalduck13rs) August 16, 2025
Right now, this incident might not be addressed at all. What the Greece team is more concerned with now is Antetokounmpo’s participation with the Greek team following the money issues between the national squad and his mother team in the NBA.
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