Australia-Philippines basketball brawl sanctions: Thon Maker disagrees with punishment

Thon Maker has responded to his FIBA ban, saying a lack of security meant he needed to protect his teammates in Manila.

Thon Maker disagrees with the international match ban handed down by FIBA for his role in the basket-brawl against the Philippines, saying a lack of security at the World Cup qualifier meant he needed to protect his teammates. Daniel Kickert (five matches) and Chris Goulding (one) were also suspended for their roles in the fracas in Manila on July 2.

pic.twitter.com/spFnFSgIl8

— Thon Maker â„¢ (@ThonMaker14) July 19, 2018

While Maker noted his respect for FIBA, he used Twitter to explain his involvement in the fight, which has also resulted in bans for 10 Philippines players (a total of 35 games), their assistant coach (three), and head coach Vincent ‘Chot’ Reyes (one and a fine).

“I disagree with their decision to sanction me for three games,” Maker said today.

“I tried to break up a conflict, but without security things quickly devolved into a very dangerous situation where I needed to act to protect my teammates and myself from imminent harm.

“As a human being I cannot turn my back on anyone, Australian or Filipino, teammate or not, who is being attacked by a mob without the adequate help of security.”

The Milwaukee Bucks star said his focus would turn to preparing for the forthcoming NBA season and did not say if he would appeal his ban. Kickert put out a statement on Thursday through his NBL side the Sydney Kings, accepting his penalty.

But Goulding’s agent Daniel Moldovan says he will be seeking legal council, labelling the one-match ban a disgrace.

Moldovan said on Twitter today the fight “could have easily resulted in the death” of his client who “neither provoked or retaliated to a vicious mob assault”.

Basketball Australia are unlikely to appeal the FIBA bans and have scheduled a board meeting for today.

BA received a 100,000 Swiss francs ($135,000) fine for removing floor decals during training on the day prior to the game and their part in the third-quarter incident.

AAP