Unicaja has opened disciplinary proceedings against Chris Duarte after the Dominican shooting guard made controversial statements on social media. The club has provisionally suspended him from duty and given him 10 days to present his defense.
The 28-year-old was selected to the Second Best Five of the Basketball Champions League on Friday and attended the award ceremony in Badalona. However, after being ruled out for Thursday’s semifinal against AEK Athens, he vented his frustration on Instagram Stories. In those posts, he claimed that certain people were trying to tarnish his name and career. Although he later retracted the comments, the club decided to take action.
“This recognition comes even though I can’t play my game at the level I know I can consistently,” Duarte stated. “There is a God up there who knows how to recognize his warriors with good intentions and a good heart. Honestly, I didn’t expect this award today. A group of people are trying to stain my name and my career. I am with God, and He will never leave me alone. Imagine when I cut the can that holds me back. I was born to make history, and if I am with God, who can be against me?”
His wife also posted on social media: “What he can do with just 10 minutes of playing time.”
Duarte later issued a retraction: “Earlier today, I let my frustration get the better of me, and I take full responsibility for that. I am passionate about this game and about being the best player and teammate I can be, but that pressure came out in the wrong way, and I am sorry.”
The club’s decision to suspend Duarte is a disciplinary measure pending further investigation.