Sweden kicks ex-NBA player Jerebko after joining CSKA Moscow
Ex-NBA player Jonas Jerebko was fired from Sweden’s national basketball team on Thursday, the association stated, a day after he joined CSKA Moscow despite international condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
In a statement announcing his resignation, the Swedish Basketball Association said, “A player on the national team represents the Swedish Basketball Association.”
Jerebko, 35, is the only Swede to have played in the NBA, where he spent ten seasons between 2009 and 2019 with the Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics, Utah Jazz and Golden State Warriors.
The federation stated that it contacted Yerebko to inform him that his choice to play in Russia was “contrary to the organization’s beliefs and our very clear attitude towards Russia.”
“After this discussion, we unfortunately have to admit that Jonas Jerebko will not be able to represent the national team.”
The association highlighted that 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.
Jerebko was without a club before joining CSKA when his contract with Khimki Moscow expired in 2021.
Due to Russia’s invasion, CSKA Moscow has been kicked out of the Euroleague.