Saint Anthony Spurs Rookie Victor Wembanyama plans to «disappear» from the media in the coming months after his Summer League debut was apparently overshadowed by an incident involving a member of his security and pop singer Britney Spears.
Speaking to reporters after his second game Sunday in which he finished with 27 points and 12 rebounds, Wembanyama lamented his overall performance in the 85-80 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs prepares to shoot a free throw against the Portland Trail Blazers in the second half of an NBA Summer League game on July 9, 2023 in Las Vegas. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
«I wish we would have won the game. I think I could have done more to help my team win this game,» the 2023 No. 1 pick said.
SPURS’ VICTOR WEMBANYAMA DOWN 27 POINTS IN SUMMER LEAGUE GAME: ‘I think I could have done more’
«I think, personally, it’s just…it’s normal to get better every game. Two days ago it was my first game. I had so much sh— going on with the draft and the media and stuff, so it makes sense.»
«In the last month, I don’t think basketball was even 50% of my schedule,» Wembanyama said. «I can’t stand it. I know it’s a special time in my life, but I’m glad it’s over. Honestly. I just want to play hoop. I just want to work out, lift weights, because this is my life. Obviously, every first election will go through this. And that makes me better for the future.»
But the media firestorm that surrounded him after Spurs selected him first overall last month was overshadowed when a member of Wembanyama security was accused of turning his back on Wednesday night. Britney Spears when he approached the NBA star at a popular Las Vegas restaurant.
Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during an NBA Summer League game against the Portland Trail Blazers on July 9, 2023 in Las Vegas. (David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
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The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department later released a statement Friday, saying it would not file charges after its investigation concluded the security guard «did not knowingly or unlawfully use any force or violence» against Spears.
According to an incident report obtained by Fox News Digital, a person inside Spears’ camp told police that she was «upside down» by the security guard «in the face with a clenched fist». The person also noted that after they sat down for dinner, the security guard came over to apologize.
But the incident report also noted that security footage showed the security guard pushing Spears’ «hand away from the player without looking, causing Britney’s hand to smack her face.»
Spears maintained in a statement released before police announced that no charges would be filed that the security guard «hit» her.
Britney Spears attends the announcement of her new residency, «Britney: Domination,» at Park MGM on October 18, 2018 in Las Vegas. (Gabe Ginsberg/FilmMagic)
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The incident has apparently left Wembanyama hoping for less media attention.
«I need to sit down with the Spurs to figure out what the next few months will be like. When to go on vacation, when to work out again, where am I going to practice in San Antonio or somewhere else. I just know I have two or three months, two or three months wonderful, that are yet to come and are going to change my life,» he said Sunday.
«I’m probably going to disappear from the media for the next few months, honestly.»
Associated Press contributed to this report.