Doc Rivers Responds to Giannis Calling Out Bucks Over Injury Status, 'This is a Grown Man's Game'

Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers addressed Giannis Antetokounmpo's comments after the two-time NBA MVP called out the organization over his injury status and desire to play in games.

Speaking to reporters after Friday's loss to the Boston Celtics (starts at 2:05 mark), Rivers explained "this is a grown man's game" and everyone in the organization needs to get together to quiet things down.

Rivers began his response by acknowledging that Bucks management has told him the same things everyone else has heard and that coaches "don't decide" whether or not a player gets held out.

Prior to tipoff on Friday, Antetokounmpo spoke about his ongoing absence due to a knee injury. He told reporters it was a "slap in the face" that the Bucks continue to hold him out even though he feels healthy enough to play:

"I've never seen a case of a player saying, my caliber of player, that's like — I'm saying it publicly—I want to f–king play. You know what I'm saying? I don't think I've seen this. So, if there needs to be an investigation, great. There should be. I don't know. There should be. Until we figure something out."

Those were Antetokounmpo's first public comments since The Athletic's Eric Nehm reported on March 18 that Bucks management approached Antetokounmpo about sitting out the remainder of the season, but he refused the request because he wanted to get back on the court.

ESPN's Shams Charania reported on Friday that the NBA is investigating the Bucks for their handling of Antetokounmpo under the player participation policy stemming from conflicting statements from both sides.

Per Charania, the Bucks told the league they don't believe Antetokounmpo is "ready and actually wants to play." Antetokounmpo said he is healthy and wants to play, but the team won't medically clear him.

Antetokounmpo hasn't played since March 15 due to a hyperextended knee. He has appeared in just six games since Jan. 27 due to knee and calf injuries.

The Bucks (30-47) have been eliminated from playoff contention. It's the first time since 2015-16 they will miss the postseason. They currently rank 10th in the lottery odds, but they can't pick higher than second due to trades and swaps involving the Atlanta Hawks and New Orleans Pelicans.