Thon Maker owns up to role in Gilas-Australia free-for-all
Australia’s Thon Maker owned up to his actions after being involved in the brawl against Gilas Pilipinas in the Fiba World Cup Qualifiers at Philippine Arena on Monday night.
The Milwaukee Bucks center said he’s “deeply disappointed” with his actions.
Maker was among the four Aussie players tossed in the aftermath of the fight that erupted late in the third quarter.
READ: ‘Violence has no place in sports’: SBP apologizes for Gilas-Australia
“I am deeply disappointed in the actions displayed during yesterday’s game against the Philippines. Being from a war-torn country, basketball for me has been a means to bring people together,” Maker, who traces his roots to Sudan, said in a statement.
“I feel a great responsibility as an NBA player to carry myself in a way that promotes peace and unity. My hope that this experience provides a springboard for discussion regarding the security surrounding these games.”
In the video that has gone viral, Maker is seen throwing a couple of flying knees, a type of strike commonly used in combat sports.
READ: Gilas runs out of players, loses to Australia in ugly, bizarre game
His first attempt hit a scrum of Gilas players, who ganged up on his teammate Chris Goulding, from the back.
Maker’s second flying knee was aimed at Gilas guard Terrence Romeo, who managed to elude it.
“I take responsibility for my actions knowing that they were a result of MY DESIRE to protect my teammates and myself,” the statement continued.
“It is a tremendous honor to represent Australia, the Milwaukee Bucks and the NBA and my goal is to redirect that in my conduct and play.”
