The following are excerpts from Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer’s pregame press conference Wednesday, in which he was questioned about the arrests of Pero Antic and Thabo Sefolosha:
Q. What can you tell us about the arrests of Pero Antic and Thabo Sefolosha?
A. We released a statement recently and I think the statement speaks for it was unfortunate and we'll support them through this. That is really it.
Q. Are they here? Or did the go back to Atlanta?
A. No, they are still here.
Q. Does it affect the team?
A. The team, we want to be very supportive of Thabo and Pero. Every team has to work through things. Our group is prepared for that and ready to do that.
Q. There was video of Thabo limping severely. Are you aware of any injury he suffered?
A. We are going to have Thabo have his ankle looked at. I think that is all that we can really share at this time.
Q. Has there been a determination of whether they will miss more games?
A. No. That is as are we have gone. (Both players will not play Wednesday)
Q. What policy do you have about players going out nights before a game, if any?
A. No, there is no policy.
Q. Is there a curfew?
A. No.
Q. What involvement does the league have as far as possible disciplinary action?
A. There has been a lot of communication with the league today. I think we'll continue to gather facts and continue to gather information and work together. As of now, there is nothing.
Q. Are you disappointed in the players?
A. We are very supportive of our players. You never want to put yourself in a position where you can bring negativity to yourself or the organization and your teammates. But they are great guys and I think right now it's most important to support them.
Q. Have you addressed the team about it?
A. Yes, we've talked to the team about it.
Q. Are you worried about this having an impact on how well you guys have played and what is ahead of you?
A. We always want to be whole and be together. So every team deals with injuries or different things that happen. But I think we are confident we are going to be in a good place going into the playoffs. There are a lot of good things happening. We'll continue to keep our focus on being healthy and being ready. We are excited about the next 10 days preparing and then starting the playoffs.
Q. Will you institute a curfew policy from here on out?
A. No.
Q. Is it disappointing that they would be out that late?
A. I think that was asked earlier. Right now, I think it's crucial that we support Pero and Thabo. None of us want to bring any type of negativity, myself, Pero, Thabo, anybody. We've got a great group, a great organization. They are a huge part of that. So, I don't think that word is in my mindset right now. I really want to support them and believe in them. We'll continue to gather the information and the facts and move forward.
Q. Have to talk individually to both of them?
A. Yes.
Q. Have they shared their side of the story with you?
A. Yes, we visited.
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