"We can't go out on the court and run like sissies," the controversial statement by Estudiantes' coach

Controversy in the LEB Oro, not due to the outcome of a match. Natxo Lezkano, coach of Movistar Estudiantes, has publicly apologised for the offensive comments made during a timeout in his team's game against Monbus Obradoiro. The match ended with a defeat for Estudiantes away to the Galician team, 90-73.

With 5:49 remaining in the game, Estudiantes was trailing by seven points (70-63) when Natxo Lezkano called a timeout to try to change the momentum. In addition to giving instructions to his players, the coach made a remark to criticise their supposed lackadaisical attitude: "Hey, we can't go out on the court and run like sissies." These words were caught by the cameras and quickly received all sorts of criticism on social media.

"Hey, for God's sake, run to the corner, run to the corner and all this," he added while pointing out instructions on the board.

Fans and the commentators of the match were surprised by the words of the coach of the collegiate team. "It wasn't the most politically correct timeout by Nacho Lezkano, but sometimes you have to speak from the gut. He was asking for more intensity from the players coming off the bench to give an extra boost of aggressiveness in defence," said Pedro Robles, match commentator and former Estudiantes player.

In light of the stir caused by his words, the coach wanted to apologise: "I would like to express my sincerest apologies for the inappropriate comment I made during today's game. It was a moment of tension and it was not my intention to offend anyone. I deeply regret what happened and reiterate my apologies to everyone."