Dame Sarr Has Returned to Barcelona after his participation in the Nike Hoop Summit, held last week in Portland (United States).
The young Italian promise of the blaugrana basketball hasn't had a quiet return. The FC Barcelona youth player, one of the jewels of European basketball, is currently separated from the team. A decision of his has infuriated the management, with Joan Laporta at the helm.
He Left Barça Stranded When They Needed Him Most
Everything exploded when the 18-year-old Italian shooting guard decided to travel on his own to the United States, despite the club having denied him permission. Sarr's decision was made knowing he would miss three key Barça games. The classic against Real Madrid and Virtus Bologna in the Euroleague, and the clash against Covirán Granada in the Liga Endesa.
Sarr was drafted in advance for the Nike Hoop Summit and communicated it to the club. At first, Barça viewed his participation favorably. However, multiple injuries in the squad and the young Italian's growing prominence led to the permission being revoked.
Despite this, the player chose to disobey the club's directives. He didn't show up for the training on April 5, embarking on his way to Portland on his own.
Barça considers his attitude as a serious offense. They immediately opened a disciplinary file that has left the case in the hands of their legal team.
He Won't Wear Barça's Jersey Again
Meanwhile, Sarr is prohibited from training with any team of the club. Internal sources assure that Laporta is "very upset" and that he has already made the decision: Dame Sarr won't wear Barça's jersey again.
With a contract until June and his mind set on the NCAA or the NBA, everything points to his blaugrana stage has ended.
Although Sarr excelled in the final game of the Hoop Summit against the United States, his decision could have definitively closed the doors of the Palau blaugrana to him.
Sarr had become an important piece in Villarroya's plans, his coach. Barça feels betrayed by their player's lack of commitment.