The Controversial Comeback: Joshiko Saibou’s Return to German Basketball

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The controversial basketball professional Joshiko Saibou (33) played a competitive game in Germany for the first time since 2020. The former national player is now under contract with second division team Jena and made his season debut at the weekend in a 95:83 defeat in Trier.

The development player played in the Bundesliga for, among other things White Berlin and Würzburg. In the summer of 2020, he was dismissed without notice by Telekom Baskets Bonn after taking part in a demonstration against the government’s Corona measures.

The club accused him of violating “the well-known protective rules” by taking part and thereby posing “a permanent risk of infection”. Saibou then moved to the French club Reims and six months later moved on to Dijon. Now the comeback in Germany.

During his first game in Trier, several posters criticized the professional with harsh words. It was written on it: “First be an example to everyone, then drop the mask. Hanging out with Nazis at a demonstration. Blaming everything on the girlfriend as an excuse.”

In June 2021, Saibou told the German Press Agency: “I don’t believe in conspiracy theories and I never have. I have a clear stance on discriminatory groups, no matter what kind.”

At no time did he spread a single conspiracy theory, neither in person nor on social media. “It’s a shame to have to justify something you absolutely didn’t do,” he said.

What is documented, among other things, is an Instagram video published by Saibou in May 2020 under the hashtag “#AppellandenVerstand”, in which he said about the Corona restrictions: “You are repeating what television, newspapers and politicians are telling you. Don’t question anything.” He continued: “Even when people are beaten down and arrested. This is for the good of everyone.” Saibou emphasized this with a raised index finger and at the end of the video by putting on a protective mask and saying: “So. Mince your words.”