NBL: Chris Goulding breaks silence on ‘flopping’ claims by Andrew Bogut, SEM Phoenix members, Hawks coach Justin Tatum

Melbourne United star Chris Goulding has, for the first time since opposing clubs branded him a flopper, addressed allegations he exaggerates contact. Find out what he said inside.

Melbourne United star Chris Goulding has, for the first time since opposing clubs branded him a flopper, addressed allegations he exaggerates contact.

The 36-year-old Boomer denies he’s a flopper, says he has nothing to answer to and insists he doesn’t care about the recent attacks on his sportsmanship from South East Melbourne Phoenix owner Romie Chaudhari, Illawarra Hawks coach Justin Tatum or Sydney Kings part owner Andrew Bogut.

“No, I’m perfectly fine,” Goulding said, when asked if he’d been frustrated by the outside noise.

Melbourne United star Chris Goulding has spoken for the first time since being branded a flopper. Picture: Getty Images

“We got two wins and the commentary within our group has been really strong about things we needed to get better at.

“It was nice coming in here this morning. Everyone had a smile on their face ... We’ve lost a couple of those Sunday games, so coming in, first session of the week, it’s nice to have a little pep in here.”

The comments over the past week have sparked heated debate about Goulding’s tactics, with a wide variety of opinions.

Clubs contacted by Code Sports were hesitant to go on the record, but one club believes the NBL should address the situation with United, while another wants referees to crack down on the sharpshooter’s antics.

But coach Dean Vickerman believes Goulding is no different to the league’s other prime scoring guards.

“I think all elite scorers in our league are going to be good at finding ways to create contact to get some cheap points to keep the scoreboard ticking over and get to the foul line so I don’t think it’s any different to other people,” Vickerman said.

An incident in Melbourne United’s win against the Hawks brought the allegations to a crescendo. Picture: Getty Images

Coach and player have spoken about the “outside noise” over the past week.

“For me, it was going back to him and saying, ‘hey, this is what you’re doing for us and we love the way you put your body on the line for this team, the way you dive on the floor, the screens that you set and the physicality that you play with,” Vickerman said.

“We’re just going to keep screening for you at the other end and try and get you as free as possible to go and be who you are.

“He was obviously disappointed in some of it to say ‘my family’s talking about it’ and different things, but (he’s) just locked in, now, to what really matters and it’s just noise.”

Originally published as NBL: Chris Goulding breaks silence on ‘flopping’ claims by Andrew Bogut, SEM Phoenix members, Hawks coach Justin Tatum