Aussie Thon Maker disagrees with FIBA suspension

The Milwaukee Bucks' Australian center Thon Maker on Friday said he disagreed with the FIBA's decision to suspend him from three games following his involvement in a brawl with Gilas Pilipinas at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers.

In a statement posted on Twitter, Maker defended his actions during the brawl, arguing that he was attempting to break up the fight and protecting himself and his teammates from "imminent harm."

"While remaining respectful of FIBA as a governing body for basketball with a duty to protect the integrity and sanctity of our game, I disagree with their decision to sanction me for 3 games," said Maker.

"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."

Maker said the situation escalated due to the lack of proper security, which he emphasized was necessary in these kinds of situations.

"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 from security," he explained.

"I would like to focus on my continued preparation for the exciting upcoming season with the Milwaukee Bucks and move forward from this terrible event with a positive takeaway -- a renewed appreciation for the importance of security personnel. They provide safety for all to enjoy the game we love, both as players and fans," he added.

Bucks was among three Australian players slapped by sanctions over the brawl. Daniel Kickert was suspended for five games, and Chris Goulding was supended for one game.

Basketball Australia was also mandated to pay a disciplinary fine of CHF 100,000 (about P5,353,121.59) “for the unsportsmanlike behavior of its players and for abusing and/or tampering of equipment, after having removed floor stickers from the court on the eve of the game.”

FIBA meanwhile suspended 10 Gilas players and 2 coaches and fined the SBP, CHF 250,000 (about P13,386,776.05). — Jessica Bartolome/DVM, GMA News