Through their agents, Australian Boomer players Chris Goulding and Nathan Sobey have expressed their disappointment over the sanctions and penalties imposed by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) on the players and coaches of Gilas Pilipinas with regards to the free-for-all brawl that happened last July 2 at the Philippine Arena.
Gilas had 10 players receive suspensions.
Japeth Aguilar and Matthew Wright each received a one-game suspension; Troy Rosario, Terrence Romeo, Jayson Castro William, and Andray Blatche each received a three-game suspension; Roger Pogoy, Carl Cruz, and Jio Jalalon each received a five-game suspension; while Calvin Abueva received a six-game suspension.
For his part in the brawl, assistant coach Jong Uichico received a three-game ban while head coach Chot Reyes was handed a one-game ban and a fine of CHF 10,000 (PHP 534,773.27).
Goulding, who was ganged up on by multiple players and coach Jong Uichico, called the three-game ban Uichico was slapped with was “farcical”.
“The most disturbing aspect of FIBA’s ruling is the fact that assistant coach Joseph Uichico, who in my opinion, is guilty of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm that could have easily resulted in the death of Chris Goulding has been given a farcical three-game suspension,” Goulding’s agent Daniel Moldovan said in a statement.
“What message is FIBA sending to children all over the world when a violent and non-sensical act such as this is given nothing but more than a slap on the wrist? Coach Uichico should never be allowed to coach a FIBA-sanctioned game ever again.”
On the other hand, Sobey, who was clocked by off-duty Gilas player Jio Jalalon, is seeking damages for the brawl.
“The fact that a suspension was not handed down to the individual who threw a chair at Nathan is of great concern,” Sobey’s agency Mogul Sports Group said in a statement.
“International athletes deserve to feel safe when representing their country and we believe a duty of care to all the athletes is owed in this regard and such duty was breached with the inadequate security.”
The lack of security was the reason cited by Thon Maker on why he was involved in the melee.
“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,” said Maker, who was delt a three-game suspension.
The legal counsel of both players are considering all options in the interest of player welfare. Basketball Australia is giving careful consideration about the appeal process for these sanctions. Deadline for the appeals is set on August 2.
Goulding was slapped with a one-game suspension while Sobey had none.
