Kristaps Janičenoks After DUI Accident: 'Guilt Will Stay for Life'

Former Latvian national basketball player Kristaps Janičenoks has spoken openly about his life following a DUI traffic accident in February 2025. In an interview, he said the feeling of guilt will stay with him for the rest of his life and emphasized that his actions were solely due to irresponsibility, not excusable by his sports career.

After the accident, Janičenoks stepped down as executive director of the European Basketball Championship but continues to work on projects for the Latvian Olympic Committee, including organizing the Latvian Youth X Olympiad, which involved nearly 4,000 young athletes. He is also involved in establishing the Baltic House in Los Angeles ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games.

The former basketball player has appealed the court sentence because he does not want to go to prison. 'I wouldn't want that to happen – for the sake of my family. Parents, five children. Yes, but it doesn't change the fact that I am guilty,' he said. The appeal hearing is scheduled for September.

Now, Janičenoks has discovered a new passion – cycling. He started riding in March and has already participated in a 100 km race in Spain. He trains regularly and hopes to improve his time next year. Although he has not yet convinced his wife Rita to join him, he hopes they can explore Latvia together by bike one day.

The incident has changed Janičenoks' personality – he has become calmer, more down-to-earth, and more responsible. Relationships with close people have grown stronger, while others have faded. He acknowledges that this experience has been a lesson for him and for others.