Andrew Bogut refused to answer questions from reporters in an awkward airport exchange after he was accused of fat shaming a rival NBL team’s owner during the grand final series.
Bogut, a co-owner and and assistant coach of the Sydney Kings, has taken aim at Adelaide 36ers owner Grant Kelley during the NBL Championship Series, which the Kings lead 2-1.
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Tensions have been high in the series, with Sydney’s Kendric Davis making a beeline for NBL MVP Bryce Cotton after the 36ers star made the game-winning buzzerbeater in Game 2.
After game 1, 36ers big man Nick Rakocevic brushed Bogut in the handshake line when the Kings assistant tried to congratulate him on a good game.
Bogut and Kelley clashed after that game, with Code Sports reporting the pair had a heated exchange in the tunnel — Kelley said Bogut told him to “get f**ked you fat f**king c**t.
Bogut, who Kelley said was a “nasty piece of work”, claimed that the 36ers boss sought him out, was “talking sh*t” and “playing the victim”.
The NBA champion further stoked the fire after the Kings’ 106-93 win in Game 3 on Sunday.
“Nice to get back to the locker room unencumbered tonight, in what one can only assume was a rush to major sponsor Hungry Jack’s drive-thru outlet,” he posted on Instagram.
In February, Bogut also posted an image of Family Guy character Mr Griffin holding a basketball in an apparent reference to Kelley.
Bogut was quizzed about the saga by reporters at Adelaide Airport on Tuesday ahead of Game 4, but he refused to answer their questions, repeatedly pointing to his headphones and claiming he couldn’t hear them.
You can read the full exchange below and watch the video in the player above
Reporter: “What have you got to say to Grant Kelley?”
Bogut then points at his headphones.
Reporter: “Can you take them off for a second, please? Take them off for a second, we’d like to chat to you.”
“Andrew, can we have a chat to you? Can you take your headphones please off so we can have a chat to you?
Reporter: “Do you admit to calling Grant Kelley fat? Do you admit to calling him fat?”
Bogut: “Can’t hear you, speak up.”
Reporter: “Are you very loud online, but don’t want to say anything.”
Bogut: “I can’t hear you.”
Reporter: “You’ve got a fair bit to say online but don’t want to talk to us now?”
Bogut: “What, a crime you said?”
Reporter: “Plenty to say online.”
Bogut: “Mine? Sorry what?”
Reporter: “Do you think Grant Kelley’s fat?”
Bogut: “Chat?”
Reporter: “Fat. Like fat, big rotund.”
Bogut: “What’s that? Sorry I can’t hear you.”
Reporter: “It’s a bit disrespectful, don’t you think to be fat shaming a middle-aged man?
Bogut: “Can’t hear you.”
In a statement, the 36ers condemned the “personal attacks” from Bogut aimed at Kelley.
“The Adelaide 36ers are aware
of persistent and repeated personal attacks by a Sydney Kings co-owner and assistant coach directed towards our owner Grant Kelley,” the club said.
“The 36ers understand that body shaming is not a joke but rather, a very real source of anxiety and emotional distress for people of all genders and ages. We also stand against cyber-bullying in all its forms.
“Accordingly, we have today given notice to the NBL of our concerns and will address the matter further with them and other regulatory authorities during the NBL off season.
“For now, our attention returns to creating another fantastic home court environment for our fans, coaches and players to be at their best in Game Four of the NBL Championship Series on Wednesday night.”
The Adelaide 36ers take on the Sydney Kings in Game 4 of the NBL Championship series on Wednesday night. The 36ers must win to keep the series alive.
