Gilas assistant coach Jong Uichico deeply regrets his involvement in the unfortunate brawl that occurred during the FIBA World Cup qualifier between Philippines and Australia on Monday night.
In a dinner organized by chief backer Chooks-to-Go on Tuesday, the national players and coaches took turns to explain their side before putting the incident behind. Uichico was the most emotional among them.
"What happened was uncharacteristic of me and I regret what I did," he said.
Amidst the wild skirmish, Uichico threw multiple punches on the Boomers' Chris Goulding, who also got a beating from several players.
"Physical play is fine in basketball but we suspect it was different," Uichico shared, referring to what they thought were dirty tactics showed by the visiting team. "I acted on what I thought was right but my actions were wrong and I apologize."
The remorseful Uichico was evidently disappointed at himself for getting involved in the melee. He took responsibility for his actions and repeatedly said sorry to Filipino and Australian fans.
"I just stood up for the Filipino people and my players. But again my actions were not justified and I apologize again. I apologize to the Filipino fans and the Australian community," he expressed.
A few hours after the game that Australia won by default, Uichico also posted his apologies on Twitter.
"Tonight, my emotions got the better of me like a father who cares about his sons," his tweet read. "That does not excuse my actions and I apologize to everyone as in hindsight I should have not gotten involved. This is a painful but maybe [a] necessary lesson for me."
After saying their piece, Gilas now awaits FIBA's decision on possible sanctions, which according to team manager Butch Antonio can be reprimands, game suspensions, fines, or all of the above.
"It was explained to me earlier, the lightest might be a reprimand but the harshest can be outright suspensions for a number of games for players or whoever they think participated," he said. "FIBA will be meeting and may come up with a decision in the next few days. We're waiting and we will act accordingly."