A TWO-YEAR ban to all FIBA-sanctioned events should be imposed against players of Philippines and Australia who engaged in a bench-clearing brawl at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Monday, July 2, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP)-Davao officers said.
SBP executive program officer Ronel Leuterio said a ban is necessary to give a stern warning to all and that people involved should be heavily penalized.
"No excuse for that behavior and I'm sure they all know what's in store for them. Ganun talaga ang buhay, pag nagkamali ka, be man enough to accept responsibility for your actions kahit gaano pa ito ka harsh," Leuterio said, underscoring that both teams were at fault.
However, Leuterio also said that Gilas should have realized that taunting is part of the game. He said, "Kumbaga inis talo. But the Aussies May have gone overboard - you don't visit a house and disrespect the house owner and expecting respect in return. Lastly, there's a big distinction between losing and sportsmanship."
SBP commissioner Oscar Salvador, meanwhile, agrees with the two year-ban as a disciplinary action.
"That was embarrassing for Philippine basketball. Makaulaw kaayo sa atong country as a host. Sa walay pag dapig-dapig, it was Philippines' fault for not controlling anger (We are hosts, the Philippines was at fault for not controlling anger)," Salvador said.
"Probably they will be sanctioned accordingly based on the degree of offense. But the most embarrassing part kay Philippines might be banned in all Fiba Leagues as well, nga unta dili mahitabo (hope it won't come to that)," Salvador said.
