Doncic and SloveniaS National Team Embroiled in Mediaโข Boycott Over Instagramโ Emojis
Ljubljana, Slovenia – A dispute stemming from emojis โคused on Instagram has escalated into a full-blown boycott of Slovenian television channels by the national basketball team, including NBA superstar Luka Donฤiฤ.โ The team is protesting what they perceive as disrespectful coverage from the broadcaster,RTV Slovenija,following theirโ recent defeat to France at the EuroBasket tournament.
The conflict beganโ after RTV Slovenija published an article accompanied by a seriesโค of emojis following the loss, which Donฤiฤ’s team interpreted as mocking and dismissive. This perceived slight ignited existing tensions, including a prior incidentโข where national โขteam coach Aleksander Sekuliฤ was publicly criticized by the wife of player Zoran Dragiฤ, who labeled him โคa “clown” after โฃher husband was left off the โคEuroBasket roster. The team’s decision to refuse interviews withโ RTV Slovenija is a direct response to the broadcaster’s actions and aโข demonstration of โsolidarity with Donฤiฤ.
Theโ boycott extends beyond Donฤiฤ, encompassing the entire Slovenian national team. Following the loss toโข France, reportsโ indicated friction withinโ the team, even on the court. The current situation threatens to further destabilize the team as they prepare for their nextโ EuroBasket match against Iceland on Tuesday at โค5:00 PM CET, broadcast liveโข on โMagentaSport. The team’s performance and unity are now underโ increased scrutiny as they navigate this off-court drama.