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Blazers F Nicolas Batum Apologizes For Groin Punch On Juan Carlos Navarro

Portland Trail Blazers forward Nicolas Batum has apologized for punching Spanish guard Juan Carlos Navarro in the groin during a 2012 London Olympics quarterfinal game.

Portland Trail Blazers forward Nicolas Batum punched Spanish guard Juan Carlos Navarro in the groin during a 2012 London Olympics quarterfinal game.

Here was the post-game reaction.

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports reports on Twitter Batum's post-game comments.

"I wanted to give him a good reason to flop," Batum said.

Told Batum some won't think groin shot is in Olympic spirit. Batum: "Do you think if you lost a game on purpose, that's the Olympic spirit?"

Batum said he believes that Spain tanked final preliminary game against Brazil to face France in quarterfinals.

Finally, I asked Batum if he felt like his punch ultimately gave Navarro a 'good reason' to flop. "I hope so," Batum said.

Later, Batum issued an apology on Twitter.

I want to apologize for my stupid act at the end, I showed a bad image of France and myself, Congrats to team Spain. Still proud of my team and teamates, we gave the best from ourselves for our country. Now I cheers for the women bball team!