Milwaukee Bucks forward Thon Maker has been suspended for three FIBA World Cup qualifying games as a result of his role in a large-scale brawl between his Australian squad and the Philippines earlier this month.
A combined thirteen players - 10 from the Philippines and three from Australia - and two Philippines coaches were punished in the wake of the incident. Maker's teammate, Daniel Kickert, received a five-game suspension, while former NBAer and Philippines player Andray Blatche has been banned for three contests.
Maker responded to the news Wednesday by saying he was merely trying to break up the fight:
Additionally, the Basketball Association of the Philippines has been fined the equivalent of $247,000 USD, while Basketball Australia was dinged $99,000 USD.