FIBA hammers suspensions, fines on Gilas, SBP

After 17 days, the International Basketball Federation has hammered its verdict with regards to the brawl that happened between Gilas Pilipinas and the Australia Boomers last July 2 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

The sanctions range from suspensions and fines to the players and coaches involved in the melee.

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).

Moreover, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas will also have to pay a fine of CHF 250000 (PHP 13,369,331.76). Gilas will also be forced to play their home game against Qatar on September 17 behind closed doors. A ban for two more home games has been placed under a probationary period of 3 years.

The Australians did not escape sanctions as well.

Daniel Kickert, who instigated the brawl, was slapped with a five-game suspension. Chris Goulding, on the other hand, was only handed a one-game ban. NBA pro Thon Maker was delt a three-game ban as well.

Escaping from a sanction was Nathan Sobey.

Basketball Australia shall pay a disciplinary fine of CHF 100,000 (AUD 135,461.12) for the unsportsmanlike behavior of its players and for abusing and/or tampering of equipment, after having removed floor stickers from the court on the eve of the game.

The FIBA Secretary General has also removed the three referees from the game from the FIBA Elite Program.

The suspensions will not affect the players’ status in the PBA and the NBL.