Panathinaikos owner reacts to loss against Kolossos Rodou with calls for owner protection

Following Panathinaikos BC's 102-97 defeat to Kolossos Rodou in the Stoiximan Basket League, owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos expressed his dissatisfaction through social media. In a series of Instagram stories, Giannakopoulos questioned why Euroleague and FIBA regulations do not offer protection to club owners when players and coaches cause internal problems. He acknowledged the necessity of guaranteed contracts and player protection but argued that owners should have similar safeguards when performance is lacking. The posts included the rhetorical question "What sins am I paying for?" and specifically tagged basketball's governing bodies. Media interpretations suggest these comments were directed at head coach Ergin Ataman and the current roster due to the team's mediocre performance in both domestic and European competitions. Despite his frustration, Giannakopoulos reiterated his commitment to winning the Euroleague title regardless of current obstacles. The loss occurred at the T-Center arena in Rhodes and has caused significant concern within the organization's leadership. The owner implied that without guaranteed contracts, sweeping changes to the roster and technical staff would likely have been implemented.