Tensions between Sydney Kings assistant coach Andrew Bogut and Adelaide 36ers owner Grant Kelley have escalated again with a fresh social media swipe resulting in the the 36ers lodging a complaint with the league.
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BOGUT STOKES FIRE WITH SOCIAL MEDIA SWIPE, 36ers RESPOND
Sydney Kings assistant coach and minority owner Andrew Bogut has poured more fuel on a rivalry that has simmered all season, appearing to take aim again at 36ers owner Grant Kelley on social media.
Fresh off the Kings’ 106-93 win to take a 2-1 lead in the NBL Championship Series, Bogut posted to Instagram with what appeared to be another pointed jab at Kelley, again referencing his appearance.
“Great win! One more to go!” Bogut wrote.
“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.”
The post came just 48 hours after a heated exchange between the pair in the Adelaide tunnels. According to a CODE Sports report, Kelley approached Bogut and said, “I’ve got nothing to say to you mate,” before he claims Bogut replied with, “get f*** you fat f***ing c***.”
“He’s a nasty piece of work,” Kelley said in the report.
Bogut disputed that version of events, insisting the 36ers owner initiated the confrontation.
“Grant came to my face talking s*** in the tunnel, which is a space he shouldn’t be in immediately post game,” Bogut said.
“I didn’t go to him. He sought me out.
“I talked s*** back as he waddled off.
“He is now playing victim as only he can.
“That is the last I will comment on the stupidity of this whole interaction.”
The latest exchange adds another layer to an already tense feud. Back in February, Bogut claimed on social media that players within the Adelaide 36ers were discussing the future of head coach Mike Wells.
Kelley rejected those claims and later pushed for an owners’ code of conduct to be introduced to the NBL. Around the same time, Bogut posted what was widely viewed as a subtle dig at Kelley, using a Peter Griffin image.
Kelley, 61, said none of it justified making the dispute personal.
“Let’s just say I’m the size of Akebono the sumo wrestler, that’s my journey, that’s my issue,” Kelley told CODE Sports.
“Andrew is a three-time Olympian, this is probably a power trip for him because he thinks he’s better than other people because he’s a tall slim guy and an Olympic athlete.
“We’re not all born that way.”
The Adelaide 36ers were contacted for comment and provided the following statement:
“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 36ers recognise that body shaming is not a joke, but a genuine source of anxiety and emotional distress for people of all genders and ages. We also stand firmly against cyberbullying in all its forms.
Accordingly, we have today notified the NBL of our concerns and will continue to address the matter with the league and relevant authorities during the off-season.
For now, our focus returns to creating a strong home court environment for our fans, coaches and players ahead of Game Four of the NBL Championship Series on Wednesday night.”
Fox Sports Australia contacted the Sydney Kings who declined to comment.
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