By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
BEIJING – Andrew Bogut’s comments after the end of the semifinal game against Spain are going to be the subject of a disciplinary procedure, which is expected to result in his punishment.
FIBA secretary general Andreas Zagklis addressed the matter during his Sunday press conference on the last day of the FIBA World Cup.
While Zagklis said that he understands the context, Bogut’s public outburst can’t go unsanctioned: “We need to put the context here. We all understand that our athletes are participating in a tournament which is, if not the best, then one of the best and one of the most important moments of their careers. Especially when you play in a World Cup semifinal. We also understand exiting the field of play, emotion can be very high, and it’s the journalists’ job to transmit the message of the players to the fans. It’s not an easy task for the players to withhold their emotions. On the same time, we also have a very specific set of regulations and we have a specific set of principles that we represent, not only as FIBA but as the sport of basketball. When those lines are crossed, then we have disciplinary procedures and in this case, there will be a disciplinary procedure. So, I will not comment further on that, because there’s an expert disciplinary judge of FIBA who will have to read the documents, ask the player for his position and then make a decision”.
Photo credit: FIBA.Basketball