In an episode of the Flagrant podcast, NBA player Jason Williams shared a story about the treatment of rookies on the Memphis Grizzlies team. He recounted an incident involving former Croatian national team player Gordan Giricek, who was made to put his clothes into a large laundry container after training. According to Williams, instead of washing the clothes, his teammates threw them out and then tied Giricek’s hands and feet before putting him naked in the container filled with ice and water. Williams claimed that Giricek was left on the team logo in the center of the field for about three hours.
However, Giricek vehemently denied Williams’ account in an interview with Večernji, stating that the story was fabricated. He expressed his disappointment at being portrayed as someone who would allow such treatment and threatened legal action against Williams for spreading lies and tarnishing his name. Giricek acknowledged that rookies were subjected to pranks and jokes, but emphasized that there was a limit to such behavior, especially in a team with a real leader. He also noted that while it was common for rookies to carry items, bring donuts, or perform tasks like singing during team presentations, there was a clear boundary when it came to personal items like deodorants and perfumes.
Giricek, who played for several NBA teams including the Memphis Grizzlies, Orlando Magic, Utah Jazz, Philadelphia 76ers, and Phoenix Suns, concluded by wishing Williams good luck and emphasizing the need for fairness and accuracy in storytelling.
