# Marius Grigonis controversy regarding Panathinaikos tenure

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/marius-grigonis-controversy-regarding-panathinaikos-tenure
> Updated: 2026-09-09T17:18:23.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

Basketball player Marius Grigonis recently criticized his former coach, Ergin Ataman, following Grigonis’s move from Panathinaikos to Zalgiris Kaunas. In an interview, Grigonis described his four-year period in Athens as ‘organized chaos,’ alleging that Ataman maintained a “total lack of communication” with players and remained “completely detached” from them.

Following the backlash to these remarks, Grigonis issued a clarification via social media. He stated that while his interview addressed difficult moments, he did not intend to diminish his successes with the club. He expressed gratitude to the fans and staff, noting that winning the EuroLeague remained the pinnacle of his career.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-09: Marius Grigonis clarifies comments regarding Panathinaikos tenure

Marius Grigonis issued a statement to Panathinaikos fans to clarify that his recent interview regarding difficult moments at the club does not diminish his respect for the team or his EuroLeague success.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/marius-grigonis-clarifies-comments-regarding-panathinaikos-tenure

### 2026-09-07: Marius Grigonis criticizes former coach Ergin Ataman

Marius Grigonis has criticized former Panathinaikos coach Ergin Ataman, describing his time in Athens as ‘organized chaos’ and alleging a total lack of communication between the coach and players.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/marius-grigonis-reflects-on-panathinaikos-tenure

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Cite as: Marius Grigonis controversy regarding Panathinaikos tenure. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/marius-grigonis-controversy-regarding-panathinaikos-tenure