The Philippines really seemed to take special offense to the tearing of sponsor logos. Maybe the Boomers should have asked first...
Either way, I think what followed the brawl from the Philippines was frankly sickening. The coach of the team was the owner of some media outlet as well, and they did a full "expose" episode, claiming Goulding was calling players "monkeys".
Now as much of an idiot as I think Goulding can be, I am not sure the Boomers are going around calling people monkeys while they have an African player standing next to them who could easily take offense too.
Then there was the immediate photoshoot the Philippines took. It really went to show what level of people we're dealing with here. Basically street thugs first, and average basketball players second.
But there was little contrition at all from the Philippines for this. You might be able to argue about Kickert's elbow - and yes he was an absolute fuckwit for it - but I don't think you can argue about players smacking Goulding and Sobey in the head with chairs, and with their coaching staff getting involved as well.
And what punishments were meted out for this? Wrist slaps at best. The World Cup will still be held in the Philippines and everyone went about their lives.
This brawl could have had tragic consequences for Goulding, and for other players. I can't help but feel the punishment might have been a bit more substantial had Australia been the ones jumping off the bench to throw chairs.
Anyway, the clock has ticked on for three whole years. Some of the animosity appears to be slowly dying down. The Adelaide 36ers have picked up Kai Satto. And life seems to return to normal. The Philippines basketball team seems to be improving and have moved on from the local warlord they called a coach a few years ago.
But I do think any clash between these countries in future will be pretty firey.