Marcin Gortat responds to viral video of street confrontation

Former NBA player Marcin Gortat has issued a statement following a viral video showing a verbal altercation between him and a passerby in Poland. The video, which has garnered hundreds of thousands of views, depicts a confrontation after the man asked Gortat for a photo.

In his response, Gortat claims the footage is incomplete and does not show the preceding events. He stated that he declined the photo request because he was walking home with a sleeping child in a stroller. According to Gortat, the man responded with insults and mathematical taunts, such as asking ‘how much is 7 times 9’.

Gortat further alleged that the man used vulgar language and told him to move away, suggesting he should relocate from the neighborhood. Gortat stated that he approached the individual to clarify the meaning of the remarks, at which point the man began recording. The former basketball player characterized the man's words as a threat and emphasized his right to refuse requests for photos, particularly when caring for a child.