NBL Reviews Brian Goorjian’s Expletive-Laden Outburst at Phoenix Player

The NBL is reviewing footage and considering sanctions against legendary Sydney Kings coach Brian Goorjian following an explosive verbal confrontation with South East Melbourne Phoenix guard Owen Foxwell during Sunday’s fiery clash at John Cain Arena.

Broadcast microphones captured the 72-year-old six-time NBL championship winner telling Foxwell « f*** you » three times and calling him a « bitch » during the second quarter of Sydney’s dominant 114-88 victory. The incident earned Goorjian a technical foul and has drawn sharp criticism from Phoenix coach Josh King.

King condemns veteran coach’s actions

« 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 told reporters post-game. « That’s very disappointing and it’s not right. I just know that I’ve never seen that before, and I’ve coached around the world too. »

King expressed particular disappointment given Goorjian’s standing in the league. « It’s very disappointing … a guy that everybody looks up to in this league, » he said. « As much as I don’t like wearing the microphone during the game, I’m glad they picked that up because that’s uncalled for, completely uncalled for. »

The Phoenix coach acknowledged that Foxwell may have instigated the exchange but maintained his criticism of Goorjian’s response. « Unless there’s another microphone somewhere else, and if there is, I apologise. I didn’t see what Foxy said and if he said something, OK, he shouldn’t be talking to the coach. But for a guy with that much experience to tell an opposing player ‘f you’ three times … somebody I look up to. »

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Goorjian remains defiant amid NBL review

The veteran coach showed no remorse for his actions, insisting Foxwell provoked the confrontation with comments not captured on broadcast. « If something’s said to you, I’m going to say something back, » Goorjian said. « If they want to give me a technical, they can give me a technical. He tells me what he said, I’m coming right back at him. »

« I don’t just go at a player. I went there and he said something and I went right back at him. I’ve been in it 40 years, I don’t just start calling guys names, » he added, refusing to elaborate on the specifics of what was exchanged.

The heated confrontation overshadowed an impressive performance from MVP candidate Kendric Davis, who scored a game-high 30 points on 11-of-18 shooting despite close attention from Foxwell. The victory lifted Sydney (21-9) above Phoenix (21-10) into second place with just two rounds remaining in the regular season.

Kendric DAVIS

30

PTS

4

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9

PDE

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88 114

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The NBL is also assessing Foxwell’s role in the incident, while reviewing a separate post-game confrontation between Davis and King near the locker rooms.