Maker regrets role in melee
BOOMERS big man Thon Maker deeply regrets his actions in the vicious all- in brawl in the Philippines on Monday night, but said he was just trying to defend his besieged Australian teammates.
Maker – who plays for the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA – was one of four Australian players ejected from the game for his part in the nasty melee, with the 216cm- tall centre seen flying into Philippines players feet- first.
With the frustrated and anxious Boomers bench players remaining on the sideline to prevent being ejected themselves under basketball’s rules, the five Australians on the court were set upon by the Philippines players, staff and spectators.
Maker was punched from behind by Philippines guard Terrence Romeo.
Maker reacted with a series of flying half- kicks as he attempted to help teammates Chris Goulding and Nathan Sobey, who were savagely assaulted.
Maker came to Australia as a refugee from South Sudan before making his way to the world’s biggest and best competition.
He made his Boomers debut in Friday night’s onepoint loss to Japan after rejecting overtures from Canada.
Maker says his position as role model is just as vital.
“I am deeply disappointed in the actions displayed during yesterday’s game,” he said on Twitter.
“Being from a war- torn country, basketball for me has always been a means to bring people together. I feel a great responsibility as an NBA player to carry myself in a way that promotes peace and unity.”