THE sanction imposed by Fiba against the national teams of the Philippines and Australia could have been worse.
Sanctions include game suspensions and fines.
The players figured in the violent "basketbrawl" on July 2, during the Fiba Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers game between Philippines and Australia at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.
After the scuffle, players were ejected. But eventually had to be stopped after one player was left in the Philippine side.
The suspension includes 13 players from both teams and two coaches. They were also ordered to pay fines.
For the Philippine side, 10 players were suspended for unsportsmanlike behavior -- two players were banned for one game, four for three games, three for five games and one for six games.
Head coach Chot Reyes was also suspended for one game and has to pay a disciplinary fine of more than P500,000 while Assistant Coach Joseph Uichico was banned for three games for unsportsmanlike behavior.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Inc. (SBP) also has to pay 250,000 Swiss francs or more than P13 million for unsportsmanlike behavior of its delegation members and of its public, as well as for the insufficient organization of the game.
Fiba also ruled that the Philippines will play the next home game behind closed doors as well as a ban for two more home games, under a probationary period of three years.
Fiba stressed that it condemns any form of violence, both on and off the court, as it pointed out that respect, sportsmanship, and professionalism are expected from players, coaches, officials and all other stakeholders at every game.
Again, the sanction could have been worse.
Players should be thankful they were not banned for life.
The hosting of the Philippines of the 2023 Fiba Basketball World Cup was also not affected by the unfortunate incident.
Still, Filipinos have to be thankful.