Furious Boomers set to fight FIBA sanctions

Basketball Australia are considering appealing the fine issued by FIBA for their involvement in the brawl against the Philippines.

Philippines and Australian basketball players explode in Manila earlier this month.

Basketball Australia are considering appealing the fine issued by FIBA for their involvement in this month’s brawl against the Philippines.

A day after FIBA handed down sanctions on 13 players and two coaches, officials from Australia were still weighing up their options.

Australia received a 100,000 Swiss francs ($135,000) fine for removing floor decals during training on the day before the game and their part in the third-quarter incident in Manila. Officials from Basketball Australia aren’t satisfied and are contemplating an appeal.

The sanctions, which resulted in three Australian players being suspended and fined, were discussed at Basketball Australia’s annual board meeting yesterday.

If Australia decide to appeal, it could be a long and expensive process. History has proven that appealing FIBA sanctions can cost thousands of dollars, and they are rarely overturned.

Basketball Australia CEO Anthony Moore said they will also be asking FIBA for clarification about possible sanctions against other fans and officials.

Moore’s stance was sparked when a father of a Philippines player who entered the court and hit Boomers guard Nathan Sobey with a chair avoided punishment.

Australian officials were also outraged that Philippines assistant coach Joseph Uichico only received a three-game ban despite leaving the bench to viciously attack a motionless Chris Goulding.

Despite this, the Melbourne United star guard was sanctioned and fined for unsportsmanlike behaviour and inciting unsportsmanlike behaviour.

Goulding’s manager, Daniel Moldovan, tweeted a statement yesterday, describing the one-match ban handed to Goulding as “disturbing and shocking”.

“Coach Uichico should never be allowed to coach a FIBA-sanctioned game ever again,” said Moldovan, who was stunned by his client’s “farcical” ban.

“In my opinion, he is guilty of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm that could have easily resulted in the death of Chris.”

Moldovan said Goulding neither provoked nor retaliated “to a vicious mob assault”, yet has been suspended by FIBA. “This is quite simply a disgrace. We will be seeking our own legal counsel immediately to discuss our next steps.”

If legal action is taken, Goulding would need to appeal through Basketball Australia.

Moldovan wasn’t the only one to vent his fury, with Australian NBA star Thon Maker disagreeing with the bans handed down.

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.

“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. “

The Milwaukee Bucks forward said his focus is now on the forthcoming NBA season.