CBSSpor Basketballs governing body has rejected Greeces appeal of two player suspensions stemming from a brawl in a game against Serbia.

Patrick Baumann, FIBAs secretary general, said the punishment given to Antonis Fotsis and Sofoklis Schortsanitis will stand, and the players will miss the first two games of the world championships that open Saturday.

Baumann added that Serbia chose not to appeal the suspensions given to Nenad Krstic and Milos Teodosic. Krstic received the harshest penalty, a three-game ban, after throwing a chair in the Aug. 19 brawl near the end of a game in Athens.

Baumann said players representing their national teams have an “added obligation to behave properly.”

“We are not in favor of violence and therefore we sanction the players,” he said during a press conference before the opener of Group B play.

The United States heads that group, playing without superstars Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. The tournament was plagued by player withdrawals, with top NBA talent such as Pau Gasol, Manu Ginobili and Dirk Nowitzki skipping the event.

But Baumann said that “doesnt mean the technical level of the championship will be lower.”

“This is an exciting moment for those that sometimes live a little bit in the shadows,” Baumann said.

Baumann also said Britains players have done well on the court, but the countrys basketball leadership must show more commitment to earn an automatic berth into the 2012 Olympics in London.

The host country traditionally qualifies automatically for the Olympics, but FIBA isnt guaranteeing a spot until it sees basketball earn more of status in Britain.

Baumann praised Britains players for recently qualifying for next summers European championships, saying thats “evidence things are progressing.” But he said its “a matter for those behind the scenes,” adding he wants to know what basketballs legacy would be in Britain once the Olympics are over.

A decision will probably be made next autumn.

Posted on August 28th, 2010 by admin
Filed under: NBA basketball news