It’s hard enough as it is to get people watching the FIBA World Cup. But with the news coming from ABC News of FIBA investigating the Aussies for alleged tanking, it’s getting harder to watch. Especially if this is true.
FIBA says “it is widely suspected that Australia lost” on purpose to Angola in a Group D game last Thursday in Las Palmas, Spain. The Angolans won 91-83.
FIBA says Australia’s “on-court behavior… generated huge disappointment by basketball fans and experts.”
The result meant Australia could not meet the favored Americans until the semifinals.
If this is true. It’ll give FIBA World Cup haters even more ammo and will give USA fans even more reason to not participate in FIBA competitions. But then again, when did the USA Basketball fans control the world? Sure it will give Team USA an easier potential path to the World Cup but Australia aren’t much of a threat to the US.
And as for the USA fans that aren’t fans of international competition, shame on you. Your favourite players play for the flag and you turn your nose up on it? How patriotic of you. Just think of it as a set of exhibition games or something. As for the Aussies, shame for even attempting this if it is true. They most likely did it for money. But again, this is only an investigation and they’re innocent until proven guilty so let’s wait for a bit.
