Basketball: Three Boomers banned over Philippines brawl

The International Basketball Federation yesterday suspended 13 players and two coaches over the ugly melee in Manila.

Philippines team official Jio Jalalon punches Boomer Nathan Sobey during the brawl

The International Basketball Federation yesterday suspended 13 players and two coaches from The Philippines and Australia for their involvement in the ugly World Cup qualifying melee in Manila earlier this month.

Three Boomers — Daniel Kickert (five games), Thon Maker (three) and Chris Goulding (one) — copped suspensions from World Cup qualifying matches for unsportsmanlike behaviour.

Kickert, who sparked the brawl with his stray elbow, and Goulding, were also fined for inciting unsportsmanlike behaviour.

FIBA’s investigation determined that no racist language was used by Australian players nor was it racist abuse that incited the violence, as has been alleged.

The decision to suspend and fine Goulding is perplexing given he was set upon by a number of Philippine players and staff and bashed and kicked while he laid motionless on the ground.

No sanction was imposed on Australians Nathan Sobey and Jason Cadee, who were on the court when the brawl erupted.

Jio Jalalon, the Philippines official/player who entered the court and punched Sobey only received a five-game FIBA suspension.

Remarkably, the father of a Philippines player that entered the court and hit Sobey with a chair wasn’t reprimanded.

Boomers legend Shane Heal labelled the lenient treatment of Jalalon as “ridiculous”.

“That should be a life ban or a suspension for years and years,” said Heal, who was commentating on the game for Fox Sports when the brawl erupted.

“There is a suspension for actually coming on to the court, let alone coming on and striking one of our players in the face. That is assault — that is ridiculous.

“The staff member that came on and punched Nathan Sobey in the face. He was in plain clothes and he came off the bench.”

Basketball Australia must also pay a disciplinary fine of $134,850 for the unsportsmanlike behaviour of its players for abuse and tampering with equipment.

This occurred when the Australians removed floor stickers from the court on the eve of the game.

The Philippines had 10 players rubbed out for a total of 35 FIBA games and was fined $337,126.

This includes: Japeth Aguilar and Matthew Wright (1 game each); Terence Romeo, Jayson Castro William, Andray Blatche and Jeth Rosario (3 games each); Roger Pogoy, Carl Cruz and Jalalon (5 games each).

Small forward Calvin Abueva received 6 games due to prior unsportsmanlike behaviour in a FIBA competition.

No sanction was imposed on Philippines shooting guard Gabe Norwood.

Philippines assistant coach Joseph Uichico was also suspended for three games for unsportsmanlike behaviour, while head coach Vincent “Chot” Reyes was suspended for one game and shall pay a disciplinary fine of $13,500 for inciting unsportsmanlike behaviour.

Money from the fines will be used to support the Basketball for Good social program launched by the International Basketball Foundation.

In addition, The Philippines’ national federation was sanctioned for the unsportsmanlike behaviour of its delegation members and fans, as well as for insufficient organisation of the game.

As a result, 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.

In a surprise move, FIBA has also suspended the match officials for 12 months.

In a statement, FIBA claimed it was determined to come down hard on violence on and off the court.

“FIBA wishes to emphasise that it condemns any form of violence, both on and off the court,” the statement said.

“Respect, sportsmanship and professionalism are expected from players, coaches, officials and all other stakeholders at every game.

“Moreover, host countries must ensure the highest standards of organisational conditions are in place to guarantee the safety and wellbeing of players and other participants at all times.”

However, Heal called on FIBA to publicly explain their findings, saying Jalalon’s punishment was a “slap on the wrist”.

“I expected FIBA to go hard and make a statement to The Philippines team that this is unacceptable and the sanctions should send a serious message to the world that this can’t happen in basketball.

“But now they’ve set a standard for what is acceptable in world basketball. I just don’t understand how any of it can make any sense.

“The players should have every bit of confidence that no one from the crowd or staff is going to come on and assault them.

“Now that confidence and trust is broken when a staff member comes on and punches one of our players in the face.

“There is no common sense to what has been handed down.”