Giannis Antetokounmpo is speaking out in defense of his home and family. After reports claimed his wife, Mariah, and their four children had permanently relocated to Athens, the Bucks superstar took to Instagram to refute the false stories and demand privacy for his family.
“Stop lying and endangering my family,” Giannis wrote on Instagram. “Publicity is a result of my choices, not my children’s. Every child has the right to grow up without public pressure… Do not upload my kids on any platform again, it is enough.”
The subject of Giannis’ future has been a hot topic in the NBA, and it’s put his family in the spotlight as the story broke of their alleged move to Greece. Whether true or not, Giannis is drawing a line and demanding that the media stay in their lane.
“Every child needs space to grow, explore, themselves and the world without feeling watched or judged,” Giannis added. “As a parent, it is my responsibility to protect their privacy so that they grow up without confidence, dignity, and a sense of security.”
As a two-time MVP and NBA champion, Giannis Antetokounmpo has reached a rare level of NBA stardom. He’s the face of the Milwaukee Bucks and a legend in the game of basketball, but he’s not done yet and he has big plans for the future. While he’s currently on a three-year, $174 million deal with the Bucks, Giannis’ loyalty has been wavering and we saw it this summer as rumors flared up.
Recently, it’s been reported that Giannis seriously considered the New York Knicks before ultimately deciding to return to Milwaukee but there’s a growing suspicion that he’ll end his career overseas, playing for his home country, in close proximity to his family. This route makes sense for the Greek Freak, and it’s no mystery why he wants to keep his family out of it.
Unlike Giannis, they never asked for the public lifestyle and they never wanted the attention that follows them everywhere they go. For Antetokounmpo, preserving his kid’s privacy is important even if it means standing up to the fans and media who took it too far.
Of course, this isn’t even the first time that the NBA media has been called out like this. Last season, LeBron James went viral for his confrontation with Stephen A. Smith, where he warned him against speaking ill on his son. In this case, Giannis was speaking out for spreading “lies” on his family and specifically his children, who he wants to shield form the spotlight entirely.
At this point, it seems like Giannis is much better off with a team like the Bucks than the Knicks, where the media is as relentless as it gets. At least in Milwaukee, he can enjoy some semblance of privacy in a small market franchise while also competing for a title. After averages of 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game last season, he’s on track for another historic run if he can just avoid any drama along the way.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has made his priorities clear. Basketball will always matter to him, but nothing comes before his family. Whether he’s in Milwaukee, Athens, or anywhere else, the Greek Freak’s message is simple: respect the line between athlete and father. The world may follow everything he does on the court, but when it comes to his children, that’s a boundary he won’t let anyone cross.
