'Beyond embarrassed': Andrew Bogut savages NBL over crisis handling
Sydney Kings’ Andrew Bogut has let rip at the NBL just moments after the governing body finally awarded the Perth Wildcats the championship after the grand final series was cancelled.
Perth led the series 2-1 before the Kings announced they would not play the remaining two fixtures of the series, due to the global outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
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The Kings' decision came as Western Australian health experts called for a state border closure, the club confirming on Wednesday it was a move made with the "well-being of society" in mind.
While Bogut congratulated the Wildcats for the win, he was less than impressed with how the NBL handled the coronavirus crisis.
Quick note about the season that was @NBL 20 and the past few weeks.
I will be chatting to the press tomorrow morning here in Sydney to wrap up our season.
Be safe out there and be a human being when out and about. pic.twitter.com/hAHMzpyGKR— Andrew Bogut (@andrewbogut) March 19, 2020
“I want to go on record to say I am beyond embarrassed and disappointed in regards to how this was handled by our league from the week leading up to the grand final series,” he wrote.
“This has nothing to do with the result announced today and I wish to congratulate the Perth Wildcats on being crowned champions.”
Bogut in the Tweet caption said there would be more to come in his presser tomorrow.
NBL’s massive decision
In a statement, NBL owner and chairman Larry Kestelman congratulated the Wildcats, but made a particular note of thanks to the ownership groups of both teams for their efforts to reach a solution.
“I would like to congratulate all the teams that participated in what has been an extraordinary season and in particular the two grand finalists,” Kestelman wrote.
“I’m also extremely proud of all the owners of the teams of their conduct throughout this season, in particular Paul Smith from the Sydney Kings and the ownership group and board of the Perth Wildcats represented by Mike Board.
“The NBL’s intention has always been to provide advice, guidance and work through a consultative process with the two teams involved as circumstances were, and still are, far from normal.
“This was done with a very clear understanding that of course the final decision will always rest with the NBL and the rules governing the league.”
Wildcats import Bryce Cotton was awarded the Larry Sengstock medal for grand final MVP.
