Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotić was caught on video tearing a Serbian flag following a loss by his Spanish squad during EuroBasket 2015 play.
Mirotić tweeted out an apology for letting his anger get the best of him.
I am deeply sorry about my reaction after the game. I did not realise that it was a flag let alone the serbian one (1/2)
— Nikola Mirotic (@threekola) September 9, 2015
I was looking at the floor due to the tension of the game and I felt something on my face. I would never offend any symbols. (2/2)
— Nikola Mirotic (@threekola) September 9, 2015
Spain is now 1-2 in pool play.
Per the Chicago Tribune:
Nikola Mirotic took to Twitter on Tuesday to apologize — in three languages no less — for creating a flap at the ongoing EuroBasket tournament. […] Video showed Mirotic, upset after one of Spain’s surprising losses in a 1-2 start, pulling down and inadvertently tearing a Serbian flag that was dropped in his face as he exited a players’ tunnel.
Mirotic, a naturalized citizen of Spain, is a native of Montenegro. He is playing for the Spanish national senior team for the first time.
Former Bull Marco Belinelli’s seven 3-pointers led Italy to a Tuesday victory over Spain, dropping Spain to 1-2 in pool play. The loss ruined a stellar outing by Bulls All-Star Pau Gasol, who posted 34 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in defeat. Mirotic had 13 points and six rebounds off the bench.