Goulding’s agent bats for SBP suspension

The agent of Chris Goulding is seeking justice following the free-for-all melee that erupted in the third window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifier between Gilas Pilipinas and Australia Monday night at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

In a social media post, Daniel Moldovan said the brawl was clearly an assault as Goulding was attacked by a handful of Gilas Pilipinas members, including assistant coach Jong Uichico, while lying helplessly on the floor.

Moldovan said what the Filipinos did was such a disgrace and FIBA should ban, not just the players, but also the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) for a year.

“Let’s call this for what it is. This is an assault,” said Moldovan, who also manages the career of Australian NBA player Aaron Baynes of the Boston Celtics.

“Spats and occasional fights happen in a game, but for a bench to clear and players, support staff, arena employees to start kicking, stomping, throwing chairs – it is ASSAULT! I hope FIBA bans the federation for a year!”

Uichico expressed regret over what happened, saying that his emotions got the better of him “like a father who cares about his sons.”

He added that he realized that he shouldn’t have jumped in and joined the action, where he was caught on camera pummeling the defenseless Goulding with a barrage of powerful punches.

“Your words are hollow,” he said in his personal Twitter account.

“You didn’t act like a father who cares about his sons. You acted like a classless animal with zero brains. Hand in your resignation, your country deserves better.”

FIBA already launched an investigation and is expected to come up with a verdict any time soon.

Moldovan said they might seek legal action should the FIBA action is inadequate.