By Jon Pierik and Shayne Hope
Sydney coach Brian Goorjian faces possible sanction from the NBL over an expletive-laden spray directed at South East Melbourne guard Owen Foxwell.
Goorjian, 72, was caught on broadcast cameras calling Foxwell a “bitch” and saying “f— you” three times in a heated exchange at John Cain Arena on Sunday.
Sydney Kings coach Brian Goorjian r remonstrating with South East Melbourne’s Owen Foxwell on Sunday.Credit: Getty Images
It came during the second quarter of the Kings’ 114-88 statement win over the Phoenix at John Cain Arena.
A source with knowledge of the incident confirmed the NBL’s game review panel was investigating the incident. This includes analysing all available footage provided by the league’s replay centre.
The NBL was contacted for comment.
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.
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.
The heated game is also likely to lead the NBL to investigate reports of a 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.”
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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