In a fiery postgame press conference, Illawarra Hawks head coach Justin Tatum unleashed a scathing critique of NBL officiating and Melbourne United guard Chris Goulding, following a controversial late-game sequence that ultimately decided the Hawks’ 92-87 loss on Thursday night.
The pivotal moment occurred with just 22.1 seconds remaining and United clinging to an 87-84 lead. As Goulding brought the ball up the court, he drew light contact from the Hawks’ Will Hickey before crumpling to the floor, seemingly tweaking his left ankle in the process. The referees initially called a foul on Hickey, sparking vehement protests from Tatum and the Hawks’ bench.
However, because the game clock never started, officials deemed it a dead ball situation, nullifying the foul call. In a twist of fate, Tatum’s impassioned outburst earned him a technical foul, allowing Goulding to sink the free throw and extend United’s lead to 88-84, a margin they would not relinquish.
“Incompetent Referees” and Accusations of Flopping
In the aftermath, a visibly irate Tatum pulled no punches, labeling the decisive call “a bleeping terrible” decision. The Hawks’ coach went on to suggest that the incident was emblematic of a broader issue with “incompetent referees” who “feel that they’re in their feelings” and allow emotions to “dictate the game.”
Tatum also took aim at Goulding, sarcastically expressing relief that the United star “didn’t hurt himself flopping in front of us.” The accusation of embellishment was echoed by the home crowd, who serenaded Goulding with chants of “flop” as replays of the incident played on the arena’s jumbotron.
I told them that was a bleeping terrible call… Once they got everything sorted, I felt that they guessed that was something that didn’t need to be said. But, when I look to my left, I’ve seen Dean Vickerman standing right next to me in my box, trying to call a timeout which he didn’t have.
– Justin Tatum on his technical foul
Allegations of Bias and a Team Owner’s Outburst
The Illawarra coach also hinted at perceived bias in officiating, suggesting that his “intimidating” presence, “deep voice,” and “different skin color” result in a shorter leash compared to other coaches who “say similar or the same things.”
Hawks’ majority owner Jared Novelly shared in the frustration, abruptly leaving his courtside seat and approaching an ESPN reporter to declare, “You can quote me, that was a flop.” Notably, this marks the second time in as many weeks that an NBL team owner has publicly criticized Goulding for alleged embellishment.
Goulding’s Heroics Amidst the Controversy
Lost in the furor was Goulding’s stellar performance on his 36th birthday. The veteran guard poured in a game-high 25 points, knocking down 5 of 11 from beyond the arc and a perfect 8-for-8 from the charity stripe to lead United to a crucial road win.
He had a hell of a game. He was huge for us today; the way he wanted the basketball in big moments, the shots he wanted to take. That’s the Chris Goulding that I wanna talk about.
– Melbourne United coach Dean Vickerman on Goulding’s performance
Injury Woes and a Look Ahead
United’s victory was all the more impressive considering the absence of key players Shea Ili (calf) and Matthew Dellavedova (ankle and knee soreness). The undermanned squad also lost starter Trey Kell III to a back injury just before halftime, further depleting their ranks.
With the win, United improved to 5-3 on the season and will look to carry this momentum into Sunday’s matchup against the Cairns Taipans. The Hawks, meanwhile, slipped to 5-2 and must quickly regroup before facing the South East Melbourne Phoenix on Saturday.
As the dust settles on this contentious affair, the NBL is once again reminded of the intense passion and high stakes that define its competition. While the league will undoubtedly review the officiating and Tatum’s comments, the focus now shifts to how these two championship contenders will respond to the adversity and controversy that colored this unforgettable encounter.
