On February 28, four days after Russia’s attack on Ukraine and shortly after the exclusion of Russian clubs from the tournaments, incl. the basketball team of the Euroleague, in which Zenit also played, the heads of the club from St. Petersburg agreed at the request of some foreign players. They expressed a desire to leave Russia temporarily, which could be treated as an application for unpaid leave. Among these players was, among others Mateusz Ponitka, who has been working for Zenit since 2019 and is the team captain.
On Tuesday it turned out that Ponitka was among the players who returned to Saint Petersburg. “After a short vacation to return home, Mateusz Ponitka, Jordan Loyd, Billy Baron, Tyson Carter and Alex Poitress have already returned to the team” – the club wrote in a laconic statement.
, which met with heavy criticism from fans. The situation, however, is not as simple and straightforward as it appears at first glance.
Why did Ponitka come back to Russia?
The portal informed that Ponitka did not want to return to Russia at all. The Pole, however, had no choice, because he is bound by the contract he signed at the beginning of this season. The club did not agree to dissolve it by mutual agreement. – I don’t want to go too far on this matter. I understand the criticism that fell on me, but – like other athletes playing in Russia – I have a contract – says Ponitka.
“The contract is valid until 2024. Zenit reportedly demanded a seven-figure compensation for breaking. In addition, Mateusz is threatened with a two-year failure in the event of breaking. , Polsat Sport commentator.
The aforementioned Gortat referred to the case. “Mateusz Ponitka has always been an individualist. He has always walked his own paths (sometimes it’s good, sometimes bad). He made a decision that could be expected of him … He only thought about himself. There is no greater shock or surprise for me. to this right “- wrote on Twitter the former Polish representative and NBA player.
He added: “It is sad that he is the captain of our team. I think many people expected a different decision. You have to remember that the captain’s armband was given to him by the president. Now he is receiving double criticism for his role. these aspects, the question is different. Where is character? Human emotions? Unity? Support? Let’s also wait for his speech. “
This season, a player of another Russian Parma Perm team was Mateusz’s younger brother – Marcel, also a Polish representative. A few days ago, the club from Perm informed that all foreign basketball players, including the Pole, are leaving the team.
Source: Sport
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