Former Hawks forward Josh Childress said on Friday that the violence he witnessed in the stands while playing in Greece won't influence his decision on whether or not to remain in Europe.

"The fans are obviously very passionate because we're in the finals of the Greek championship," Childress said by phone to The Associated Press. "Yes, there was unnecessary violence. It obviously doesn't help the game. It doesn't help the players, but that will not have an effect on my decision about where I play next year."

Olympiakos fans threw a flare, plastic bottles and other items at Panathinaikos' bench during a timeout at the end of Thursday night's opening game of the finals.

Initially, Childress appeared greatly affected by the violence.

"The violence we saw today, will make me think real hard over my future in Europe," he said immediately following Thursday's events.