Boomers opt not to appeal

Australia would no longer contest the decision handed out by the International Basketball Federation (Fiba) over its brawl with Gilas Pilipinas in the third window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifier last month.

Basketball Australia CEO Anthony Moore said they would no longer pursue their appeal in which the world governing in basketball slapped Daniel Kickert, Anthony Goulding and Thon Maker with sanctions for their participation in the ugly melee that made international headlines.

Kickert, Goulding and Maker were all suspended while the federation was meted with a fine of $135,000.

Moore said appealing the decision would be an exercise in futility.

“Our legal advice examined a range of appeal options,” Moore told Sydney-based The Guardian.

“However, the chances of success under Fiba appeal process are very low so we have decided to pursue these matters with Fiba independent of the appeal process.”

On the contrary, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is reportedly serious in pushing for an appeal.

In a statement last week, the federation withdrew from the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta so it could turn its attention on questioning the decision of the Fiba Disciplinary Panel.

A total of Gilas Pilipinas players were suspended together with assistant coach Jong Uichico and head coach Chot Reyes, who was also penalized 10,000 Swiss francs for instigating the fight.

The SBP was also fined 250,000 Swiss francs and its next home game will be played behind closed doors as penalty for its failure to control its delegation.

Moore said they are leaving the ugly chapter behind and setting their focus on the second round of the prestigious qualifier.

“We have agreed to treat this unfortunate incident as a learning opportunity for the entire organization and we are committed to improving the practices for all of our 22 national teams as we travel throughout the world playing in Fiba basketball tournaments.”

The Boomers will face Qatar and Kazakhstan in the next window in September.