Rivers Calls Out Charania for 'Inaccurate' Bucks Report, Wants Wojnarowski Back

Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers disputes ESPN insider Shams Charania's account of a recent team meeting and says he misses Adrian Wojnarowski.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:38pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting an NBA basketball court and players, with the court and players broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in vibrant colors, conceptually representing the fractured perspectives and competing narratives in the world of NBA reporting.A coach's fiery exchange with a media member reflects the high-stakes tensions of the NBA reporting landscape.Chicago Today

Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers has criticized ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania for an 'inaccurate' report about an alleged team meeting where Rivers told players to 'look up his résumé.' Rivers downplayed the incident and said he has a good relationship with star player Giannis Antetokounmpo, while also expressing a desire to have Adrian Wojnarowski, Charania's former ESPN colleague, return to the reporting role.

Why it matters

The ongoing tension between Rivers and Charania highlights the sometimes contentious dynamic between NBA coaches and media members who report on the inner workings of teams. Rivers' comments also reflect the high value he places on controlling the narrative around his team, especially during a disappointing season where the Bucks have struggled to make the playoffs.

The details

In his report, Charania said Rivers told Bucks players during a team meeting to 'look up his résumé' after a recent loss to the Chicago Bulls, in which Milwaukee blew a 20-point lead. However, Rivers disputed Charania's account, saying the team simply had a 'tough locker room day' where he showed players clips of their mistakes. Rivers also maintained that he and Antetokounmpo have a good relationship, contrary to Charania's reporting.

  • On April 12, 2026, Rivers criticized Charania's report during an appearance on FanDuel's 'Run It Back' show.

The players

Doc Rivers

The head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, known for his outspoken nature and willingness to challenge media narratives about his teams.

Shams Charania

An NBA insider and reporter for ESPN, known for his breaking news and insider reporting on the league.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The star player for the Milwaukee Bucks, who has a close relationship with head coach Doc Rivers.

Adrian Wojnarowski

A former ESPN NBA insider who left the network to become the general manager of the St. Bonaventure men's basketball team, and whom Rivers expressed a desire to have return to the reporting role.

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What they’re saying

“We have a great relationship. You know, Shams wrote an article that was so accurate that I don't have enough time to go into. He talked about a locker room thing, and I was laughing like, yeah, we had a tough locker room day. We lost to the Chicago Bulls with a 20 point lead. I showed clips the next day of guys who were screwing up. That's what happens in a locker room. You know, the first thing I thought: where's Woj? I miss Woj so much.”

— Doc Rivers, Milwaukee Bucks Head Coach

What’s next

With the Bucks out of playoff contention, the focus will shift to the offseason and whether Rivers and the team can bounce back next season.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tension between NBA coaches and the media, as well as the value coaches place on controlling the narrative around their teams. Rivers' comments also reflect his high regard for former ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski, whom he believes provides more accurate and nuanced reporting than Charania.