Players and coaches at the centre of the wild violent brawl that erupted during a basketball game earlier this month have been punished for their involvement.
Two coaches and thirteen players from the Filipino and Australian side were suspended on Thursday following the World Cup qualifying match in Manila on July 2.
Basketball’s governing body FIBA, The International Basketball Federation, handed a $135,000 fine to Basketball Australia and suspended Boomers trio Daniel Kickert, Thon Maker and Chris Goulding.
Players and coaches at the centre of the wild violent brawl that erupted during a basketball game earlier this month have been punished for their involvement
Kickert was banned from playing for five World Cup qualifiers and Goulding for one for unsportsmanlike behaviour and inciting unsportsmanlike behaviour.
Maker was suspended for three for unsportsmanlike behaviour, with teammates Nathan Sobey and Jason Cadee avoiding sanction completely.
FIBA fined Basketball Australia for the unsportsmanlike behaviour of its players and ‘for abusing and/or tampering of equipment, after having removed floor stickers from the court on the eve of the game’.
Ten Filipino players were suspended for unsportsmanlike behaviour, including Roger Pogoy who was given a five-game ban for the elbow to Goulding which sparked the brawl.
Two coaches and thirteen players from the Filipino and Australian side were suspended on Thursday following the World Cup qualifying match in Manila on July 2
Basketball’s governing body FIBA handed a $135,000 fine to Basketball Australia and suspended Boomers trio Daniel Kickert, Thon Maker and Chris Goulding
Calvin Abueva was suspended for six games for offences that also related to previous misconduct in a FIBA competition.
A one-game suspension and $14,000 fine was given to Philippines head coach Vincent Reyes, while his assistant Joseph Uichico was banned for three games.
The national Filipino basketball federation was fined $337,000.
Basketball Australia chief executive Anthony Moore said it was unlikely the organization would appeal the bans.
Kickert was banned from playing for five World Cup qualifiers and Goulding for one for unsportsmanlike behaviour and inciting unsportsmanlike behaviour
‘As we stated at the outset, Basketball Australia sincerely regrets the incident,’ Moore said.
‘We acknowledge the sanctions handed down against Australian players and acknowledge the sanctions imposed against Philippines players and officials involved in the incident.
‘We are seeking further clarification from FIBA about possible sanctions against other officials and fans involved in the incident.’
The umpired officiating the game, which was ultimately called off, were also suspended by FIBA.
Maker was suspended from three for unsportsmanlike behaviour, with teammates Nathan Sobey and Jason Cadee avoiding sanction completely
‘FIBA wishes to emphasise that it condemns any form of violence, both on and off the court,’ a FIBA statement read.
‘Respect, sportsmanship and professionalism are expected from players, coaches, officials and all other stakeholders at every game.
‘Moreover, host countries must ensure the highest standards of organisational conditions are in place to guarantee the safety and well-being of players and other participants at all times.’
FIBA fined Basketball Australia for the unsportsmanlike behaviour of its players and ‘for abusing and/or tampering of equipment, after having removed floor stickers from the court