Boomers’ Daniel Kickert expresses regret over Gilas-Australia brawl

The Australian Boomers' Daniel Kickert has expressed his regret over the brawl that sparked between Gilas-Pilipinas and his team during the FIBA World Cup qualifiers at the Philippine Arena, saying he "overstepped a little" on the "regrettable" situation.

"It's a regrettable situation. I was pretty put in a position I think where I obviously made an action which is regrettable and unfortunate," Kickert said Wednesday in a video on ESPN 5, as the Australian team returned to their home country.

The massive brawl escalated in the third quarter after Kickert delivered an elbow to Gilas Pilipinas guard Roger Pogoy, who collided with Christopher Goulding.

"It's not good to put a stain on anything as a good trip for the boys and would have been a good win. I think ended poorly with a controversial issue obviously. I think I overstepped a little bit with my response to the escalation in the game, and I regret those things," Kickert said.

The Boomers veteran said he is leaving it to FIBA for the sanctions that will be on the way.

"But I'm going to let FIBA do everything that they need to do to take the time, go through the process and come to the answers that they see fit and bring down the sanctions that they bring down."

Kickert refused to comment on the Philippines team and instead "let FIBA do what they want to do."

Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes had blamed Kickert for instigating the brawl, and claimed the Australian allegedly hit the Filipino players even during warm-ups. — Jamil Santos/RSJ, GMA News