Tennis legend Philippoussis defends heated exchange at son’s basketball match

Former grand slam finalist Mark Philippoussis has responded to claims he was involved in a heated exchange at his son’s basketball match in Geelong on Monday night, during which a former AFL great stepped in.

Geelong United Basketball said there was an incident at an under-12s match between the South Geelong Kings and YMCA Roderick, which this masthead has confirmed involved former tennis ace Mark Philippoussis and former Geelong captain Cameron Ling as parents.

The incident was first aired on the 3AW Rumour File, but the identities of those involved were not disclosed.

Philippoussis told this masthead that as the tight match drew to a close, the coach of the opposing team was unhappy with calls being made by the young referees.

“No one was appreciating the way he was speaking to the young referees,” he said. “These referees are 16-17 … and after the game I just had a word and said something to him, and that’s all it was. It’s a father that I know because our kids play in the same team – the rep team, so that’s why I just said, ‘Look, you know, this got out of hand’.”

“The only thing I’m upset with myself [for] is that I should have had the conversation with him straight away outside … because people will talk quickly and escalate this, and it’s exactly what happened.”

The SG Kings won the match by a point, 39-38, with Nicholas Philippoussis scoring 17 points for the losing side, for which Ling’s son also plays.

Philippoussis said there was no altercation, swearing or raised voices during the conversation.

Philippoussis said it was Ling who suggested he and the coach depart the arena to finish their conversation so the next match could begin.

The former footballer confirmed he was there, and said the exchange was “just a conversation”.

“It was all calm and there were certainly no raised voices or swearing or anything like that,” Ling said. “It was far from that type of discussion.”

Geelong United Basketball said in a statement it was “aware of an incident at a junior’s game on Monday evening involving alleged verbal abuse”.

“We are currently investigating the situation and will act accordingly with all concerned parties once the investigation process is concluded.”

A Geelong YMCA Basketball Club spokesperson told this masthead no swearing or verbal abuse occurred.

In his tennis career, Philippoussis reached the US Open and Wimbledon finals, made it to number eight in the world rankings, and claimed 11 titles and prize money estimated to be more than $10.5 million.

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