Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas finalizes position paper on brawl

MANILA, Philippines — Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Sonny Barrios yesterday said they’re finalizing documents to formally appeal FIBA sanctions drawn in the aftermath of the Gilas-Australia brawl.

“Our position paper is 95 percent done. We will make the appeal before the Aug. 14 deadline set by International Basketball Federation,” said Barrios.

Gilas Pilipinas was badly decimated as a result of the FIBA sanction, meting the federation a fine of P13 million on top of suspension to 10 players, including naturalized player Andray Blatche.

The SBP will appeal its case a few weeks before the next window of the FIBA World Cup qualifiers where Gilas plays Iran on Sept. 13 then Qatar, at home, four days later.

Barrios is hopeful the federation would be given consideration by the appeals panel.