Japeth Aguilar apologizes to Pinoys, Aussie basketball team for FIBA brawl

On behalf of his teammates, PBA star and Gilas Pilipinas player Japeth Aguilar on Tuesday apologized for the brawl that broke out between them and the Australian Boomers during the FIBA World Cup qualifying match, saying the situation was "regrettable" after the team acted out on "emotion."

"The incident last night could have been dealth with differently but emotions were running high. In the heat of the moment, we just wanted to defend our brother," Aguilar said on Instagram.

"I admit that we acted on emotion rather than logic and this is regrettable because the situation could have been pacified and could have ended differently. There is no excuse for how we responded," he continued.

 

A post shared by Japeth Aguilar (@japethaguilar35) on

Jul 2, 2018 at 11:56pm PDT

Aguilar was one of nine players from Gilas Pilipinas who were ejected after contenders from both sides traded blows that started when Gilas guard Roger Pogoy and Boomers wingman Chris Goulding got tangled up on a drive.

Four players, meanwhile, were thrown out from the Australian team.

"As national team athletes, we are representing more than just ourselves as we wear our uniforms. How we acted last night is not just representation of the Filipino people. For this, I'd like to apologize to my fellow Filipinos, to the Australian team, to their supporters and to basketball fans everywhere. Hopefully, we can move forward with humility, compassion and respect for one another," Aguilar said.

Earlier in the day, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio issued an apology for the incident that happened at the Philippine Arena.

Senator Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara, who also chairs the SBP, described the brawl as unfortunate, but said he stands by the Filipino players amid the clash.

FIBA has opened up disciplinary proceedings for the two teams, and Malacañang called the incident the "height of unsportsmanlike behavior." — RSJ, GMA News