MANILA – Unlike Australia Boomers, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas will appeal the suspensions FIBA meted against Gilas Pilipinas players involved in a “basketbrawl” during a 2019 FIBA World Cup qualifier game in July.
SBP executive director Renault Barrios said they have prepared their position papers for the approval of SBP president Al Panlilio and chairman emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan.
“We start our paper with an apology for the unfortunate incident and we end it with a pledge to follow and abide by all the regulations of FIBA and commit our unconditional (support) to FIBA,” Barrios said. “In between those two are our arguments.”
The position papers will be forwarded to the FIBA Appeals Panel headed by Lars Hilliger before the Aug. 14 deadline, said Barrios.
“We have a week to submit our appeal papers, including attachments (video footage),” Barrios said. “We also have to inform them up until Aug. 14 on whether we (SBP) want to appear in person or video conference and teleconference na lang.”
“The respondent, which (in this case) is FIBA, has one week to reply (until Aug. 21) and give it to Lars Hilliger,” he added. “Binibigyan sila ng isang linggo para mag-counter sa mga pinagsasabi ng ating papers.”
FIBA suspended Calvin Abueva, Carl Bryan Cruz, Jio Jalalon, Roger Pogoy, Andray Blatche, Jeth Troy Rosario, Jayson Castro, Japeth Aguilar, Matthew Wright, and Terrence Romeo for multiple games for their role in the melee.
Assistant Coach Joseph Uichico was also meted a three-game suspension for unsportsmanlike behavior while Head Coach Vincent “Chot” Reyes was slapped with a one-game ban and a fine of 10,000 Swiss francs (P534,700).
The SBP was also ordered to pay a disciplinary fine of 250,000 Swiss francs (P13,367,500) for the unsportsmanlike behavior of its delegation and its public, and for insufficiently hosting the match./PN
