Sweden cuts off ex-NBA star Yerebko after CSKA moves to Moscow
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Stockholm (AFP) – Ex-NBA star Jonas Jerebko has been cut off from Sweden’s national basketball squad, the association stated on Thursday, a day after he joined CSKA Moscow despite international condemnation of Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.
“A player in the national team represents the Swedish Basketball Association”, says the body in a statement announcing his exclusion.
Jerebko, 35, is the only Swede to have played in the NBA, where he spent 10 seasons with the Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics, Utah Jazz and Golden State Warriors between 2009 and 2019.
The association said it had contacted Yerebko to inform him that his decision to play in Russia was “against the association’s values and our very clear stance towards Russia”.
“After this dialogue, we unfortunately have to admit that it is not possible for Jonas Jerebko to represent the national team.”
Jerebko last played for Sweden in a World Cup qualifier against Croatia at the end of February, when the association and the players showed their support for Ukraine, the association recalled.
Before signing for CSKA, Jerebko was without a club after concluding his contract with Khimki Moscow in 2021.
CSKA Moscow has been excluded from the Euroleague due to Russia’s invasion.
© 2022 AFP