Team set to defend reputation

“WE’RE not thugs.”

That’ the message from Australian guard Jason Cadee, who says the Boomers are determined to work on restoring the nation’s respected basketball reputation following Monday’s ugly brawl against the Philippines.

Cadee arrived home to Sydney on Wednesday still coming to terms with the melee that marred Australia’s World Cup qualifier in Manilla.

The footage of the brawl has gone global and attracted widespread condemnation.

Australian players have taken responsibility for their role in the fight.

Last night, Basketball Australia received notice from FIBA of disciplinary proceedings following the melee.

FIBA has established a disciplinary panel to hear charges and has placed confidentiality conditions on the details of the charges which prevents their public disclosure.

BA chief executive Anthony Moore said it would respond to the charges ahead of a determination by the panel.

“Out of respect for the process established by FIBA, Basketball Australia and our players will not make any further comment,” Moore said.

Cadee said the Boomers didn’t want to be branded as hooligans following the melee.