Aussies refute ‘monkey’ claim

Top Australian basketball officials formally dismissed the claim of a Filipino photojournalist that the Boomers branded some members of Gilas Pilipinas as “monkey” that sparked a massive brawl in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers last week at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

In a joint statement released yesterday, Australian Basketballers Association (ABA) chief Jacob Holmes and Basketball Australia boss Anthony Moore strongly denied the claim by Winston Baltasar over an ABC Radio program.

Baltasar, whose work has appeared on ESPN5 website, said he heard and witnessed the thrash talking and name-calling between the Boomers and Gilas Pilipinas.

At one point, some Boomers were heard hurling racial slur to the players of the home team, something that added fire on the simmering tension.

“I think I should mention when the Boomers were up by 30 points, there was still a lot of what I would say was taunting, a lot of mouthing, there were a lot of words being said,” said Baltasar in the radio program.

“We did hear the word ‘monkey’ being thrown around.”

But when asked if he heard it himself, Baltasar sounded unsure.

“I couldn’t hear exactly who said it, but I did hear it, and it was, like I said, the Boomers were up by 30 points. I don’t think word like that should be thrown around.”

The Aussies were offended by Baltasar’s allegation that they are now in the process of reviewing all their legal options to clear the air.

Holmes and Moore said what Baltasar said caused distress to the players.

“The allegations made by Mr. Baltasar are unsubstantiated and highly defamatory and we are reviewing our legal avenues to address them,” the statement reads.

“The Boomers pride themselves on their inclusive and diverse composition, just like the country they represent and the comments made by Mr. Baltasar and republished by ABC have caused immense distressed to our players.”

The Aussie officials added that they were not asked about the veracity of Baltasar’s statement before ABC turned his statement into an article.

“At no stage was Basketball Australia or the ABA contacted for comment before the allegations were published, a clear breach of the ABC’s own editorial standard.”

“We take these allegations against our players extremely seriously and are deeply disappointed (that) the ABC should choose to publish them.”

FIBA already launched an investigation on the brawl and is set to come up with its findings very soon.