Andrew Bogut commentary bombshell just hours before the Boomers bronze medal match

Furious basketball fans have forced Channel Seven into a backflip the likes of Simone Biles would be proud of after Andrew Bogut said he had not been contracted for the bronze medal match.

Andrew Bogut of the Kings reacts in the dying seconds of the first NBL Finals match between the Sydney Kings and the Perth Wildcats at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Sunday, March 8, 2020. (AAP Image/Craig Golding) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

Channel Seven has been forced into a backflip the likes of Simone Biles would be proud of.

Just hours after Andrew Bogut dropped an Olympic bombshell announcing he would not be commentating the Boomer’s bronze medal match against Slovenia, it seems the ex-NBA star is back on deck.

Bogut, whose detailed insight and analysis on the games have made him a favourite with viewers throughout the Olympics, took to social media on Saturday morning to explain why he would be missing from the commentary line-up.

“Big game for the Boomers against Slovenia. I’ve really enjoyed commentary with Seven but I will not be working the final Boomers game due to my contract with Channel 7 being for 5 games.

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“Thanks to Seven for the opportunity and thanks to John Casey and Andrew Gaze.

“It has been an absolute pleasure working with the gurus. #GOBOOMERS.”

The announcement sparked an outpouring of support for Bogut whose commentary has been first class.

For Seven however there was widespread criticism and the suggestion they had shown no faith in the Australian side reaching the medal matches.

Announcement:
Unfortunately I won’t be working the @BasketballAus Boomers Bronze Medal Game tonight for @Channel7 !

Statement below

👇👇👇 pic.twitter.com/3HfQGkXapL

— Andrew Bogut (@andrewbogut) August 7, 2021

“Amateur stuff from Seven,” one user wrote.

“Ch 7 extend this mans contract! He’s the best we have for special comments. It’s been too enjoyable listening to ya with the knowledge you have of the game overall and in particular this team,” said another.

“Of how little faith they had in Boomers playing for a medal. That’s a real shame. We miss your impact on court but it’s been great to have you on the commentary “box” with Gazey. I’ll listen to your thoughts of the game in your next pod.”

Great news 🙌🙌🙌@Channel7 and I have extended our agreement!

I’ll be calling tonight’s Bronze medal game alongside @JohnCasey2880 and @AndrewGaze10

The people have spoken! ✊✊✊

Thank you.

GO BOOMERS!!! https://t.co/50sof84dc1

— Andrew Bogut (@andrewbogut) August 7, 2021

Even comedian Dave Hughes weighed in writing: “What? Can’t we pro rata this mate? Who stuffed up the numbers on how many games gets you through the medal rounds?”

It seems the outrage had the desired effect with Bogut confirming he would back in the hot seat alongside Gaze and Casey for tonight’s match.

“The people have spoken!” Bogut tweeted.

“Common sense prevails,” Hughes added.

A Ch 7 statement said: “The Seven Network is pleased to announce Andrew Bogut will be part of its commentary team for tonight’s bronze medal match between the Boomers and Slovenia.

“Bogut has been a revelation as part of Seven’s basketball commentary team at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 alongside John Casey and Andrew Gaze, and Seven has extended its agreement with him to include tonight’s crucial Boomers game, which starts at 9.00pm AEST on Seven and 7plus”

It’s understood Bogut was happy to call the bronze medal game, but at the same pay rate as his previous five games. This offer was originally knocked back by Seven officials before opting to backflip.