Adelaide 36ers Take Action Against Body-Shaming in NBL Championship Series
The Adelaide 36ers have escalated tensions in the ongoing NBL championship series by lodging a formal complaint with the league over body-shaming comments attributed to Sydney Kings co-owner and assistant coach Andrew Bogut. This move comes amid a bitter rivalry that has seen personal attacks overshadow the on-court competition.
Persistent Personal Attacks Spark Outrage
In a statement released on Monday, the Sixers accused Bogut of making "persistent and repeated personal attacks" directed at their owner, Grant Kelley. The controversy ignited over the weekend when reports surfaced that Bogut confronted Kelley following Adelaide's victory in game two of the best-of-five series, making derogatory comments about his weight.
Adding fuel to the fire, Bogut reposted a social media message from February that appeared to draw a comparison between Kelley and the animated character Peter Griffin from 'Family Guy'. This action has been widely condemned as a form of cyberbullying and body shaming.
36ers Stand Firm Against Inappropriate Conduct
The Adelaide 36ers have taken a strong stance, emphasizing that body shaming is not a joke but a serious issue causing anxiety and emotional distress across all demographics. "We understand that body shaming is a very real source of anxiety and emotional distress for people of all genders and ages," the team stated. "We also stand against cyberbullying in all its forms."
As a result, the club has notified the NBL of their concerns and plans to address the matter further with regulatory authorities during the off-season. Bogut, who is uniquely positioned as both a co-owner and assistant coach for the Kings, has found himself at the center of this controversy.
Championship Series Heats Up Amid Controversy
This complaint adds another layer of drama to a championship series that has been marred by disputes. The Sydney Kings currently lead the series 2-1, with game four scheduled for Wednesday night in Adelaide. The Sixers, aiming for their first title since 2002, face a must-win situation to keep their hopes alive.
Earlier in the series, Adelaide coach Mike Wells expressed frustration over the officiating in game three, claiming that referees allowed Sydney to physically target NBL MVP Bryce Cotton. Wells pointed out that Matthew Dellavedova, known for his aggressive defense, was not called for any fouls while guarding Cotton, who drew only three fouls in nearly 40 minutes of play.
"If they want to beat up the MVP and take him out, that's what the refs have allowed him to do," Wells said, highlighting concerns about freedom of movement and legal guarding positions. These on-court tensions have compounded the off-court controversy, creating a charged atmosphere for the remainder of the series.
