When I think of the Australian basketball team, what comes to mind is how many former Metro State players have landed on their roster over the years. This squad is no different with former ‘Runners Mitch McCarron and Nick Kay playing big roles for the Aussies. (Side note: They were upset earlier in the FIBA qualifiers by a Japan team led by former Ralston Valley star Nick Fazekas.)
But Monday’s game against the Philippines cast a different light. With Australia up 31 in the third quarter, tempers flared and fisticuffs broke out. I get it — fights happen from time to time. But how much this escalated was disgusting. The sucker punches, the chairs thrown, the fact that Aussie Chris Goulding was at one point on the ground being pummeled by about a dozen people.
“That was just Chris — alone, underneath 12 guys stomping him, punching him, kicking him, the American on the team was holding his leg down so he couldn’t get up,” .
Thirteen players — four Aussies and nine from the Philippines — were ejected. FIBA, basketball’s international governing body, said it is opening “disciplinary proceedings against both teams.”
It wasn’t basketball. It was vile. And that selfie the Philippines team took? That’s childish.
— , The Denver Post
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What’s on Tap?
- MLB: Giants at Rockies, 6:10 p.m., ATTRM | Pitching matchup |
- World Cup: Sweden vs. Switzerland, 8 a.m., FS1
- World Cup: Colombia vs. England, noon, KDVR-31
TV/RADIO: Here’s what sports are airing today
Scoreboard
MLB: Rockies 5, Giants 2
Full story |
World Cup: Brazil 2, Mexico 0
Full story
World Cup: Belgium 3, Japan 2
Full story
Must-Read
Monte Morris’ audition for Denver Nuggets’ backup point guard job begins at NBA Summer League
Though Nuggets’ starter Jamal Murray is a dynamic scorer, Morris is more of a prototypical point guard that excels in the pick-and-roll. Read more…
Avalanche free-agent signees were previously schooled by coach Jared Bednar
Ian Cole and Matt Calvert — teammates late last season after Cole was traded from Pittsburgh to Columbus — each signed three-year contracts with Colorado. Read more…
The Antonio Senzatela hype train rolls into Coors Field on Tuesday. Is the right-hander ready to meet expectations?
As he recuperated from a groin injury with the Isotopes this month, the 23-year-old became the most waited-on arm in Denver. Read more…
Quick Hits
+ Former Colorado Buffaloes great Jay Humphries is lending a hand with Team Colorado.
+ Denver Nuggets notes: Vlatko Cancar set to arrive for summer league prep.
+ Silverton Mountain’s heli-ski expansion is moving forward after challenge is denied.
+ What does LeBron James’ signing mean for the Nuggets’ playoff hopes? Mark Kiszla answered this and more in yesterday’s Lunch Special live chat.
+ How to have a family-friendly trip to Cañon City that will put a smile on your kids’ faces.
+ Q&A: Golden ultrarunner Courtney Dauwalter crushes the competition — men and women.
+ Rajon Rondo joining LeBron James with the Los Angeles Lakers.
+ World Series of Poker’s main event kicks off in Las Vegas.
By The Numbers
$5.3 million
DeMarcus Cousins agrees to 1-year, $5.3M deal with Golden State Warriors
Itap a low-risk, high-reward move for the Warriors, with Cousins set to return at some point this season once he completes his recovery from tearing his Achilles tendon in January. Read more…
Parting Shot
Shaun White entering skateboard contests with eye on Summer Olympic Games
Top on the list of Shaun White’s goals for the near future: Skateboarding at the Olympics. Read more…
Get in Touch
If you see something thatap cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at dboniface@denverpost.com or tweet me .
