/ 18 January 2011

How do you quote that? Fined coach turns mime artist

Levski Sofia basketball coach Konstantin “Titi” Papazov conducted a post-match interview entirely in mime after the domestic federation fined him for his outspoken comments earlier in the week.

Papazov, the former national team coach, was fined 2 600 levs ($1 788) for bringing the game into disrepute with his remarks following second-placed Levski’s 73-70 win over high-flying Rilski Sportist in a highly-charged affair.

He responded by showing his skills as a mime artist, answering eight questions with a series of more and more animated gestures without saying a word, after Levski’s 96-87 win over Spartak Pleven on Friday.

“Well, I’m obliged to answer the reporters’ questions and I think they understood everything I wanted to say,” Papazov told Reuters on Saturday.

“So, I’m considering whether to continue in this way in the future. I don’t think it’s a bad idea.” — Reuters