19 July 2018
The world basketball’s governing body, FIBA, has issued sanctions to the players involved in the ugly brawl between Gilas Pilipinas and Australia in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, which took place last July 2 at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.
A free-for-all melee happened during the third quarter of the game after a collision between Gilas Pilipinas guard Roger Pogoy and Chris Goulding prompted the players to cause a scene.
Nine players from Gilas Pilipinas were fouled out of the match, including Terrence Romeo, Jayson Castro, Calvin Abueva, Troy Rosario, Andray Blatche, Japeth Aguilar, Carl Bryan Cruz, Roger Pogoy and Matthew Wright.
On the other hand, the Boomers lost Nathan Sobey, Milwaukee Bucks’ Thon Maker, Daniel Kickert and Goulding.
FIBA released a statement today, deciding harsh punishments to those involved. 10 Gilas Pilipinas players are suspended for unsportsmanlike behaviors, while three Australians received the sanctions.
Abueva received the highest punishment for being suspended for six games. FIBA explained he received extra time because of his prior unsportsmanlike behavior during the tournament. This means he would have to miss the rest of the FIBA games.
Meanwhile, Pogoy, Cruz, and Jalalon will be suspended for five games, Blatche, Castro, Romeo and Rosario are suspended for three games and Aguilar and Wright for one game.
Gabe Norwood, June Mar Fajardo, Baser Amer and Allein Maliksi were not sanctioned.
Assistant Coach Joseph Uichico is also suspended for three games due to unsportsmanlike behavior, while Head Coach Chot Reyes would have to pay a disciplinary fine of CHF 10,000 and is suspended for one game, because of his unsportsmanlike behavior as well.
“Philippines will play the next home game behind closed doors while a ban for two more home games has been placed under a probationary period of 3 years. SBP shall also pay a disciplinary fine of CHF 250,000,” said FIBA in a statement.
Basketball Australia will also have to pay a disciplinary fine of CHF 100,000 for the unsportsmanlike behavior of their players.
Kickert received the highest sanction for Australia, as he’s banned for five games. Maker is banned for three games, Goudling for one game, while Nathan Sobey and Jason Cadee escaped the punishments.
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