Apparently European players are taking it to heart when Americans claim that the overseas game just isn’t as physical or tension filled as the NBA. In yet another ugly international incident, upwards of 18 players in the Serbian League Finals were ejected in an unbelievable brawl, which forced Game 2 of the series to be played out as a 3-on-3 match-up in the game’s final minutes.
Just two weeks ago TheHoopDoctors.com brought you a video of the carnage surrounding some irate fans throwing explosive devices at players and referees during the Greek League Finals. Now, a battle royale type melee which would make Vince McMahon of the WWE proud, ensues between the Serbs. All of these unfortunate instances just gives international basketball another black eye for their sport and may facilitate a number of top players like Linus Kleiza and Josh Childress to flee in exodus back towards the NBA.
As for the incident in question, while battling for position for a rebound, two opposing players feet get tangled and both players hit the floor. Apparently one takes offense and takes a swing as both are still on the floor. As both chest bump and sissy slap each-other, after getting back on their feet, benches empty as a vicious array of headlocks and judo jabs ensue before officials can help regain order to the game.
In the end, 18 players were ejected and the game ended in a rather odd looking 3-on-3 match-up with one player just sitting on the floor in protest after not getting a foul call.
After the dust settled, Partizan Belgrade won not only the game, but their 7th consecutive title after not even one player from their opponent Hemofarm even decided to show up for the decisive Game 3 finale. I guess this is their version of the NBA’s “Malice at the Palace” between the Pacers and Pistons in 2004.
Allen Moll has been a lifelong NBA and NCAA College Basketball fan who watches and studies games religiously, and coaches youth basketball in his native Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. Allen also provides content to Bleacherreport.com, Upperdeckblog.com, in addition to being a tenured columnist for TheHoopDoctors.com.
