NBA concludes investigation into Bucks’ management of Giannis’ health
The league launched a probe in April after Antetokounmpo and the Bucks told different stories about his ability to return to play.
Updated: 7:38 PM CDT May 12, 2026
The NBA has wrapped up its investigation into the Milwaukee Bucks over the shutdown of Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to ESPN.The league launched a probe in April after Antetokounmpo and the Bucks told different stories about his ability to return to play.The two-time MVP hyperextended his left knee on March 15. Antetokounmpo did not play another regular-season game after that. He also suffered a groin and calf injuries earlier in the season.Antetokounmpo said multiple times that he was healthy enough to return before the end of the regular season, but the team would not medically clear him.The Bucks, however, informed the league that they didn’t believe he wanted to actually play, according to reports. The team told investigators that he declined the opportunity to play 3-on-3 scrimmages, which is part of the return protocol from his knee injury. Antetokounmpo told the league that he was healthy enough to return to action.During his end-of-season news conference, Antetokounmpo said he didn’t understand why he was never cleared. “… From my understanding, coming back to play, which I don’t think I ever had any return-to-play protocol, but to my understanding was I had to play 3-on-3 to be able to be available to play,” he said. “I did that multiple times. I’ve never in my life denied participation of practice.”During the time of Giannis’ absence, the Bucks were eliminated from playoff contention.The NBA, however, determined that no further action was warranted from the investigation, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.Top HeadlinesMilwaukee middle school student says school janitor body slammed himMilwaukee courthouse security officer killed in shooting; man, woman arrestedLincoln Park neighborhood residents voice frustration over year-old pothole on 22nd StreetWATCH Search continues for Timmothy Pitzen, 15 years after disappearance
MILWAUKEE —
The NBA has wrapped up its investigation into the Milwaukee Bucks over the shutdown of Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to ESPN.
The league launched a probe in April after Antetokounmpo and the Bucks told different stories about his ability to return to play.
The two-time MVP hyperextended his left knee on March 15. Antetokounmpo did not play another regular-season game after that. He also suffered a groin and calf injuries earlier in the season.
Antetokounmpo said multiple times that he was healthy enough to return before the end of the regular season, but the team would not medically clear him.
The Bucks, however, informed the league that they didn’t believe he wanted to actually play, according to reports. The team told investigators that he declined the opportunity to play 3-on-3 scrimmages, which is part of the return protocol from his knee injury. Antetokounmpo told the league that he was healthy enough to return to action.
During his end-of-season news conference, Antetokounmpo said he didn’t understand why he was never cleared. “… From my understanding, coming back to play, which I don’t think I ever had any return-to-play protocol, but to my understanding was I had to play 3-on-3 to be able to be available to play,” he said. “I did that multiple times. I’ve never in my life denied participation of practice.”
During the time of Giannis’ absence, the Bucks were eliminated from playoff contention.
The NBA, however, determined that no further action was warranted from the investigation, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
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