The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas held a press conference Thursday to address the sanctions imposed by FIBA regarding the melee between the Philippines and Australia in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers on July 2 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes followed by releasing a statement:
"The SBP has released its statement on the FIBA decision, and I stand with our national federation in respecting FIBA's findings," said Reyes. "I have never given instructions to hurt nor incite unsportsmanlike behavior, and in my 20 years as head coach in the PBA and 7 years at the helm of Gilas, I have never been involved in any such incident."
FIBA suspended 10 Gilas players and three from the Australia Boomers.
Reyes was slapped with a one-game suspension, along with a fine of CHF 10,000 (approximately P530,000) "for inciting unsportsmanlike behavior." Gilas assistant coach Jong Uichico was hit with a three-game ban, and both the Philippine and Australia basketball federations were fined by FIBA.
Reyes apologized for what transpired during the July 2 game and vows to continue working with the Gilas program.
"I deeply regret what happened last July 2, and again apologize together with our players and staff. As we work to put all this behind us, we reiterate our commitment to serve our flag. Laban. Pilipinas. Puso!"