THE decision of Fiba, the world’s governing body of basketball, to suspend 13 players, 10 from the Philippines and three from Australia, as well as two Gilas Pilipinas coaches following the ugly brawl that ensued between the two teams during a July 2 Fiba Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan would hurt the country's chances for a World Cup slot.
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) commissioner Charles Raymond A. Maxey, in a Facebook interview, said Fiba's decision needs to be respected and accepted.
"There is nothing we can do about it. SBP and the players know fully well that these sanctions will come as a result of that ugly incident. This is a big blow to our campaign in the international level, especially in the World Cup,” Maxey said.
Fiba, in a statement furnished SunStar Thursday, July 19, said suspended for unsportsmanlike behavior are Filipinos Japeth Aguilar and Matthew Wright (one game each); Terence Romeo, Jayson Castro William, Andray Blatche and Jeth Rosario (three games); Roger Pogoy, Carl Cruz and Jio Jalalon (five games each); Calvin Abueva (six games, due also to prior unsportsmanlike behavior in a FIBA competition). Pogoy was also suspended for inciting unsportsmanlike behavior.
Gilas Pilipinas head coach Vincent "Chot" Reyes was slapped a one-game suspension and shall pay a "disciplinary fine" of CHF 10,000, roughly P535,239.38 for inciting unsportsmanlike behavior.
His assistant coach Joseph Uichico is suspended for three games for unsportsmanlike behavior.
Fiba said the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is also sanctioned for the unsportsmanlike behavior of its delegates and its fans and for insufficient organization of the game.
"Philippines will play the next home game behind closed doors while a ban for two more home games has been placed under a probationary period of three years. SBP shall also pay a disciplinary fine of CHF 250,000 (P13,375,150.36).
Meanwhile, Australia Boomers Chris Goulding (one game), Thon Maker (three games) and Daniel Kickert (five games) are also suspended for unsportsmanlike behavior while Basketball Australia was fined CHF 100,000 (P5,353,958.70) "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".
Fiba added that fines to be collected shall benefit the Basketball for Good program of the International Basketball Foundation.
The referees who handled the game, according to Fiba, shall be removed from the Fiba Elite Program and won't be nominated to Fiba-recognized international competitions for one year.
Fiba added that it "condemns any form of violence, both on and off the court. Respect, sportsmanship and professionalism are expected from players, coaches, officials and all other stakeholders at every game."
Fiba also underscored that host countries must ensure that highest standards of organizational conditions are in place for the welfare of participants.
Observers said Gilas team and SBP as a whole escaped a more serious penalty such as a ban from Fiba competitions for several years.
Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC) Crusaders coach Iasias "Ice" Gravador said the players dodged a bullet because they were only suspended for a number of games and not a number of years.
"Sad part is our next home game will be behind closed door. Instead of Filipinos enjoying the game, we just have to wait for the final result of the game," Gravador said, adding that Filipino fans will be feeling the sanctions more with the absence of seeing Gilas play at home court in a probationary three-year period.
SBP 11 referees commissioner lawyer Francis Calatrava said the referees' suspension was necessary as they failed to control the situation of the game.
But he said, "Pasalamat gihapon kay mao ra ang penalty (We just have to be thankful for those sanctions). I was exepecting the federation will be banned for a year. I was expecting the worst. With this decision, PH remains a member of good standing with Fiba."
Ateneo de Davao University Blue Knights coach Cholo Elegino, for his part, said Fiba's decision is right and fair. "I hope this would be a lesson for everyone."
Former Philippine Sports Institute (PSI) Davao City coordinator Mark Samante, currently the Ateneo de Davao University director for community engagement and advocacy council, said the sanctions served as a wake-up call for Philippine sports to start learning international game management.
"This May put the Fiba World Cup hosting in jeopardy. Fiba can use this to justify denying us the hosting," Samante added.