NBA: Former Aussie Top Pick Under Fire For Hurling Insults At China, FIBA

Andrew Bogut has been known to give it his all on the basketball court especially when he is playing. Currently playing for the Australian Boomers, the top overall pick of the 2005 NBA Draft made headlines for all the wrong reasons. He is now under hot water and there is a possibility that he could be meted hefty sanctions by FIBA.

Bogut's outburst occurred following the Boomers loss to Spain, 95-88, in double overtime in the semifinals of the 2019 FIBA World Cup. The loss denied Australia of advancing to the final round against Argentina. The 34-year-old drew heat when he was suspected of using profanity aimed at China, Fox Sports Australia reported.

Bogut was booed throughout the tournament. He also took a shot at the host's when he tweeted something about Chinese swimming champion Sun Yang. This was tied up to the feud of the Chinese swimmer with Mack Horton last month.

Local journalists tried to clear the air on the incorrect claims when they visited the Boomers practice Saturday. Bogut was not around but the locals were able to rectify Bogut's outburst. The big question now is whether the former NBA champion will suit up in the bronze medal match against France. There is a possibility he may not suit since he is likely to hear it from the ones present at the Beijing arena.

As far as his tirade is concerned, Agence France-Presse reports that there are some calling on FIBA to ban him for his actions. Much of his rants were featured by Chinese media, a reason why the 7-footer finds himself in hot water.

With or without Bogut, the Boomers will try to give it their all in winning the bronze. Center/forward Nick Kay knows that the team is still reeling from that heartbreaking loss to Spain. However, it is a situation he feels that most of the guys can get over.

"We are going to come out for this next game and fight and do everything we can to make sure we come home with that medal," said Kay. Once this comes out, Australia and France bronze medal game is expected to be underway over at the LeSports Center in Beijing, China.