The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is now bracing for the worst that may come from FIBA following the brawl between Gilas Pilipinas and Australia Boomers ar the Philippine Arena last Monday during the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.
Federation president Al Panlilio said so on Thursday, as Gilas players met with PBA commissioner Willie Marcial at the league’s office behind closed doors to discuss what had really happened on Monday that led to the incident.
“You can expect some sanctions would happen for the players — and even the federation,” shared Panlilio. “And, hopefully, the sanctions are not very heavy. Again, expect the worst that there will be sanctions.”
The international basketball federation’s probe on the brawl is still on-going, and both the SBP and Basketball Australia — who have jointly apologized through a statement Thursday — are waiting which kind of penalties will they face.
The worst that they could get is being banned from international play for a certain amount of games, as that’s what had happened in 2010 when brawls between China-Brazil and Serbia-Greece took place. The players also paid fines then.
“We actually don’t know yet what will be the sanctions. So there can be none, or there can be. We have not thought of that yet, but we’re working with the PBA and comm Willie, if there are players who are suspended,” said Panlilio.
The SBP has until July 10 to submit their statement regarding the incident, which is deemed as the worst “basketbrawl” in recent memory. With that, Panlilio hopes that the Philippines’ side on the matter will be put into consideration.
“You always prepare for the worst as they say. So we’re hoping that our position can be heard when we submit it,” he said.
