NBA

VIDEO: Nets Owner Mikhail Prokhorov’s Awesomely Russian Press Conference

New Jersey Nets majority owner Mikhail Prokhorov told the media on Wednesday that his team would no longer be pursuing highly sought-after Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony. While that itself is news, the press conference in which the announcement was made warrants its own post.

Prokhorov, who had flown in from Russia for the Nets’ Russian Heritage Night (and also, it was speculated, to meet with Anthony), told reporters that the Nets’ pursuit of Anthony had cost the team too many games, and that the decision to no longer pursue a deal was his, and his alone. It’s worth mentioning that, due to Prokhorov’s heavy Russian accent, it sounded like he was saying “Carmela” any time he mentioned the 3-time NBA All-Star.

He then opened up the floor to questions, which led to this great exchange:

Reporter: Did you know if Carmelo was willing to come here?

Prokhorov: You know, I never met with Carmelo and I never spoke with him. Maybe he sent me email, but really I don’t use computer, and that’s why maybe I missed it. Or maybe the carrier pidgeon got lost. Who knows?

Translation: You don’t want to be on our team? Go yob yourself.

Watch video of the presser (including Prokhorov’s “email” comments) here: