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Thon Maker kicks out at his ban for role in basketbrawl

Thon Maker #7 of the Milwaukee Bucks is defended by Marcus Morris #13 of the Detroit Pistons during a game at the BMO Harris Bradley Center on February 13, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
19th July, 2018
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Thon Maker disagrees with the international match ban handed down by FIBA for his role in the basket-brawl against the Philippines, saying a lack of security at the World Cup qualifier meant he needed to protect his teammates.

Daniel Kickert (five matches) and Chris Goulding (one) were also suspended for their roles in the fracas in Manila on July 2.

While Maker noted his respect for FIBA, he used Twitter to explain his involvement in the fight, which has also resulted in bans for 10 Philippines players (a total of 35 games), their assistant coach (three), and head coach Vincent ‘Chot’ Reyes (one and a fine).

“I disagree with their decision to sanction me for three games,” Maker said on Friday.

“I tried to break up a conflict, but without security things quickly devolved into a very dangerous situation where I needed to act to protect my teammates and myself from imminent harm.

“As a human being I cannot turn my back on anyone, Australian or Filipino, teammate or not, who is being attacked by a mob without the adequate help of security.”

The Milwaukee Bucks star said his focus would turn to preparing for the forthcoming NBA season and did not say if he would appeal his ban.

Kickert put out a statement on Thursday through his NBL side the Sydney Kings, accepting his penalty.

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But Goulding’s agent Daniel Moldovan says he will be seeking legal council, labelling the one-match ban a disgrace.

Moldovan said on Twitter on Friday the fight “could have easily resulted in the death” of his client who “neither provoked or retaliated to a vicious mob assault”.

Basketball Australia are unlikely to appeal the FIBA bans and have scheduled a board meeting for Friday.

BA received a 100,000 Swiss francs (A$135,000) fine for removing floor decals during training on the day prior to the game and their part in the third-quarter incident.

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