SBP, Basketball Australia issue joint apology on brawl

The SBP and Basketball Australia "deeply regret" the brawl on Monday night. Nikki Collantes (file photo)
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Two days after both organizations made separate statements on the much talked-about brawl between Gilas Pilipinas and Australia on Monday night, both the SBP and Basketball Australia made a joint statement to express their apology for the said matter.

"We deeply regret the events that took place during the game. The actions displayed have no place on any basketball court," the joint statement made by SBP president Al Panlilio and BA president Ned Coten read.

They added, "We fully accept our responsibility and are collaborating in the ongoing proceedings to investigate the incident."

The statement concluded, "We will do everything in our power to prevent this from happening again.... and we look forward to continuing bringing people together in the true spirit of friendship and sportsmanship in future games."

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno