Sydney Kings coach Brian Goorjian receives a modest $775 fine from the NBL for breaching the league’s code of conduct after a heated outburst toward a referee during his team’s dominant 114-88 victory over the South East Melbourne Phoenix.
The Fiery On-Court Incident
The drama unfolded late in the second quarter amid a tense clash between Phoenix’s Owen Foxwell and Kings’ Kendric Davis near the three-point line. Davis fended off Foxwell while driving to the corner, causing Foxwell to fall face-first. Foxwell claimed Davis kicked him in the back as he freed his foot from the tangle.
Phoenix players rushed to the scene and separated Davis from their teammate. Their coach, Josh King, shouted to the referees, “He kicked him, I saw it.” Chants of “kick him out” echoed through John Cain Arena, but officials ruled it a standard foul.
Moments later, Davis drove for a shot outside the key and drew a foul from Phoenix’s Nathan Sobey, hitting the floor hard. The Kings star quickly stood and confronted Sobey chest-to-chest, prompting teammates to intervene. Boos filled the arena again as technical fouls went to both players.
Goorjian’s Technical Foul
As tensions peaked, Goorjian stormed the court and directed profanity at a referee, yelling, “I’m not talking to you, bitch … I’m not talking to you. F–k you, f–k you.” Officials immediately issued him a technical foul, settling the halftime buzzer.
Kings Dominate Despite Chaos
Davis shook off the crowd’s hostility and delivered an MVP performance to secure the win. Post-game, he praised the team, stating, “We knew what was at stake. We made a statement today.” He added, “(We won thanks to) great coaching. Goorj for coach of the year. I love my team and I love my coaches. I wouldn’t trade here for nothing.”
