Source :- THE AGE NEWS
By Jon Pierik and Shayne Hope
NBL coaching great Brian Goorjian has been officially asked to explain why he erupted at South East Melbourne Phoenix guard Owen Foxwell, as part of the NBL investigation of Sunday’s fiery clash at John Cain Arena.
The league’s integrity unit on Tuesday asked the Sydney Kings to explain why Goorjian delivered his expletive-laden spray at Foxwell, a source with knowledge of the investigation but unable to speak publicly said.
Sydney Kings coach Brian Goorjian r remonstrating with South East Melbourne’s Owen Foxwell on Sunday.Credit: Getty Images
The Phoenix have also been asked to provide a statement, according to the same source.
The NBL was contacted for comment. The league has analysed all available footage provided by its replay centre.
Goorjian, 72, was caught on broadcast cameras calling Foxwell a “bitch” and saying “f— you” three times in a heated exchange during the Kings’ 26-point victory.
Speaking after the game, Goorjian insisted Foxwell provoked his response with an initial comment, which was not picked up on the broadcast, but refused to discuss the specifics of what was said.
There have been reports Foxwell had been calling for Kings’ MVP candidate Kendric Davis to be ejected, this coming after Davis appeared to kick out his leg at Foxwell.
NBL great Derek Rucker, who was a commentator for ESPN on Sunday, claimed Foxwell was the instigator.
“Now I have a tremendous amount of respect for Owen Foxwell. He’s a terrific up-and-coming player. But if he is going to go after a legendary head coach, someone who is going to be in the FIBA Hall of Fame once he gives it all up; if he is going to go after Brian Goorjian like that, he damn better be prepared for what’s coming back his way,” Rucker told the NBL website.
“What Brian Goorjian brought back was a flurry, a quick tirade to put Foxwell in his place and let him know: ‘You do not mess with me’.”
The NBL is also investigating a heated confrontation between Phoenix coach Josh King and Davis, which allegedly took place after the game in the tunnel that leads to the locker rooms.
Phoenix owner Romie Chaudhari has twice taken to social media to address the fiery contest, lashing Goorjian and addressing the tunnel clash.
“Some folks are saying our coach confronted KD in the tunnel, couldn’t be further from the truth, it was the other way around,” Chaudhari posted on X.
“A broadcaster left mid-press conference to go snitch to KD, which then incited that whole ‘confrontation’ in the tunnel, a confrontation initiated by KD.
“Let’s see how this is addressed in the aftermath. Unfortunately, there is a ‘good ‘ol boys club’ mentality that is ever prevalent, so I won’t hold my breath.”
A six-time NBL championship-winning coach, Goorjian was unapologetic over his role in the incident, which earned him a technical foul.
“If something’s said to you, I’m going to say something back,” Goorjian said.
“If they want to give me a technical (foul), they can give me a technical. He tells me what he said, I’m coming right back at him. I didn’t think there was a place for that. I wasn’t talking to the referee. He didn’t do anything when he went at me, and I don’t just go at a player.
“I went there, and he said something and I went back at him.”
Davis later thanked Goorjian for supporting him on court.
King, speaking before the alleged tunnel incident, said Goorjian’s behaviour was “completely uncalled for”.
“It’s really surprising, a guy that’s done everything he’s done in his career to think it’s OK to tell an opposing player ‘F you’ three times,” King said.
Goorjian getting emotional court-side.Credit: Getty Images
“That’s very disappointing and it’s not right. Hey, it is what it is. Maybe he thinks that’s OK.
“I just know that I’ve never seen that before, and I’ve coached around the world too.”
Sunday’s result lifted Sydney (21-9) above the Phoenix (21-10) into second spot on the ladder, with just two rounds left in the regular season.
with AAP
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