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Suspended at the beginning of June by his club, Mike James has still not returned to the Roca Team’s lineup for the Betclic Elite final against Paris Basketball. Let’s take stock of this confusing situation.
At the beginning of June, the point guard Mike James, star of the Roca Team, was suspended by his club. A heavy blow for Monaco before starting the Betclic Elite playoffs. Since then, the club from the principality has reached the final but is struggling to beat Paris Basketball without its leader. They are trailing 2-0 and will play the third game this Friday, June 20, for their survival. Clarification on the confusing situation surrounding Mike James.
A look back at the American’s suspension
Suspended due to a “violation of the club’s internal regulations“, no one really knew the cause of Mike James‘ suspension. It was only a few days after this announcement that some details came to light to flesh out the case.
The Attorney General of Monaco stated to Monaco-Matin on June 3 that “Mike James was not taken into custody. The Public Security intervened for a dispute among people who appeared intoxicated, but no procedure was opened and there has been no opening of an investigation or legal proceedings.”
Since then, Mike James is reportedly no longer suspended by his club, according to L’Équipe. This information was also mentioned on DAZN during the Betclic Elite final, opposing Monaco to Paris Basketball. The entanglement between the American player and the Roca Team remains to be clarified.
Is a departure of Mike James to be expected?
“It will be difficult to see him play” stated coach Vassilis Spanoulis on the eve of the final against Paris Basketball. The reigning MVP, Mike James has indeed not played a minute in these first two games, and this is expected to continue.
According to some media, the American is considering leaving his club, despite being under contract until 2027. The top scorer in Euroleague history is reportedly at odds with management, which allegedly acted without sufficient evidence. The Euroleague Players Association (ELPA) is said to have stepped in to defend the player. A opaque situation, which should become clearer after the Betclic Elite final.
