FIBA metes suspensions, heavy fines on Gilas-Boomers brawl
MEMBERS of the Philippine and Australian men’s national basketball teams were meted suspensions by world governing body FIBA for the role they played in the melee that marred their World Cup qualifying match on July 2 at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.
In a decision released on Thursday (Manila time), the FIBA Disciplinary Panel said after thorough evaluation of the incident, it came to a decision to suspend 13 players and two coaches as well as to impose fines and other sanctions on the national federations of the Philippines and Australia over the brawl that erupted in the third quarter of their qualifier game that led to the abrupt ending of said match.
FIBA has also suspended the officiating crew of the game.
Of the 13 players suspended, 10 were from Gilas Pilipinas, namely Japeth Aguilar and Matthew Wright (one game each); Terence Romeo, Jayson Castro William, Andray Blatche and Troy Rosario (three games each); Roger Pogoy, Carl Bryan Cruz and Jio Jalalon ( five games each); and Calvin Abueva ( six games, due also to prior unsportsmanlike behavior in a FIBA competition).
Gilas assistant coach Joseph Uichico was suspended for three games for unsportsmanlike behavior while head coach Vincent ‘Chot’ Reyes was suspended for one game and shall pay a disciplinary fine of 10,000 Swiss francs (P534,900) for inciting unsportsmanlike behavior.
The Philippines’ national federation, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, Inc. ( SBP), was sanctioned as well for the unsportsmanlike behavior of its delegation members and of its public, as well as for insufficient organization of the game.
The 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 three years.
The closed- door home game takes effect on Sept. 17 against Qatar in the first window of the second round of the World Cup qualifiers.
SBP shall also pay a disciplinary fine of 250,000 Swiss francs (roughly P13.4 million).
THREE AUSSIE PLAYERS
Meanwhile, three Australian players were suspended for unsportsmanlike behavior, namely Chris Goulding (one game), Thon Maker (three games) and Daniel Kickert (five games).
No sanction was imposed on Nathan Sobey and Jason Cadee.
Basketball Australia was asked to pay a disciplinary fine of 100,000 Swiss francs (roughly P5.3 million) for the unsportsmanlike behavior 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.
FIBA said money from the fines will be used to support the “Basketball for Good” social program launched by the International Basketball Foundation (IBF).
In handing the fines and suspensions, FIBA said it wishes to “emphasize that it condemns any form of violence, both on and off the court while conveying that respect, sportsmanship and professionalism are expected from players, coaches, officials and all other stakeholders at every game.”
Moreover, it said “host countries must ensure that the highest standards of organizational conditions are in place to guarantee the safety and well-being of players and other participants at all times.”
SBP ACCEPTS DECISION
In a press conference held on Thursday at the PLDT headquarters in Makati, SBP officials said they “accept the FIBA decision” even as they apologized to the Filipino fans and basketball community for what had happened.
SBP President Al Panlilio said that their central committee will convene soon to review the decision and decide on whether to avail of the appeal mechanisms.
The SBP president also heaved a sigh of relief because as per the words of the decision the Philippines’ hosting of the 2023 World Cup is not affected.
“The decision could have been worse. That’s all I can say,” Mr. Panlilio said.
SBP said the suspended players feel regret over the decision but understood they had to be accountable for their actions and learn from it.