Giannis Antetokounmpo-Bucks investigation explained: Why NBA is looking into Milwaukee’s handling of player participation policy originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Bucks‘ season took a turn for the worst on Friday.

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ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Milwaukee, headed for a first season outside of postseason play since 2016, is facing questions from the NBA’s league office related to its management of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s injury issues.

Antetokounmpo has only appeared in 36 games this season. He hasn’t suited up since the Bucks’ March 15 win over the Pacers, being ruled out due to complications from a hyperextended left knee and bone bruise suffered following an awkward land on a dunk.

Here’s what you need to know.

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Why is the NBA investigating the Milwaukee Bucks?

The Bucks were the latest side in the league to be investigated for its handling of a star player’s purported injuries. Charania reported that the NBA opened up an investigation into Milwaukee following potentially inconsistent statements by the franchise regarding Antetokounmpo’s health.

Interviews have already been conduced between investigators, members of Antetokounmpo’s entourage, the Bucks and team doctors, according to Charania.

What is the NBA Player Participation policy?

Prior to the start of the 2023-24 season, the Board of Governors approved a new Player Participation policy. The league implemented the directive as a way of incentivizing stars to participate in contests, particularly those aired on national television.

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In the policy, stars are defined as any player who has made an All-Star game or an All-NBA team in any of the prior three seasons. If stars are ruled out of contests, teams are required to provide an approved reason for their absence.

As detailed by the NBA, here’s what else teams have to do under the new Player Participation Policy:

Manage its roster to ensure that no more than one star player is unavailable for the same game.

Ensure that star players are available for all national television and NBA In-Season Tournament games.

Maintain a balance between the number of one-game absences for a star player in home and road games.

Refrain from any long-term “shutdowns” in which a star player stops playing games.

If resting a healthy player, ensure that the player is present at the games and visible to fans.

Teams found to have violated the league’s Player Participation policy are subject to a fine — $100,000 for the first violation, $250,000 for the second violation, $1.25 million for a third violation and $1 million more than the previous penalty for violations beyond the third.

Earlier in the season, the Pacers were docked $100,000 after being found to have deliberately left Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith — all starters — from their Feb. 3 loss to the Jazz.

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MORE: Why the NBA fined Utah Jazz, Indiana Pacers over roster management decisions

Giannis Antetokounmpo-Milwaukee Bucks relationship timeline

Antetokounmpo and the Bucks have enjoyed a checkered relationship, relishing in the heights of a championship in 2021 — Milwaukee’s first since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar waded through the city some fifty years prior.

However, recent seasons have proved far more contentious. The Bucks have struggled under Doc Rivers’ leadership, posting worst records every season since he was appointed. Damian Lillard’s acquisition was a failure — Milwaukee was unable to contend for gold during his brief tenure.

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Lacking a major sidekick, Antetokounmpo and the Bucks have toiled. They tumbled down the league standings, leading to rumors of Antetokounmpo’s departure swirling ahead of the 2026 trade deadline.

Ultimately, the Greek star stayed put. But he’s played sparingly in the months since, with some believing Antetokounmpo will angle for a move once more — be that in the summer or next year’s trade deadline. Antetokounmpo’s current contract expires following the 2027-28 season, although he can opt out of his deal as early as the end of the 2026-27 season.

Giannis Antetokounmpo statement

Antetokounmpo delivered a scathing statement following the announcement of the NBA’s investigation, telling reporters that he is healthy and open to playing.

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“I’m available to play, but I’m not in the game,” Antetokounmpo said. “I’m available to play today. Right now. I’m available.”

Antetokounmpo also claimed Milwaukee’s willingness to hold his from games could impact his relationship with the organization going forward.

“For somebody to come and tell me to not play or not to compete, it’s like a slap in my face,” Antetokounmpo said. “So, I don’t know where the relationship goes from there.”