NBL legend faces possible sanction over F-bomb barrage

Sydney coach Brian Goorjian faces possible sanction from the NBL over an expletive-laden spray directed at South East Melbourne guard Owen Foxwell.

Goorjian was caught on broadcast cameras calling Foxwell a "bitch" and saying "f*** you" three times in a heated exchange on Sunday.

It came during the second quarter of the Kings' 114-88 statement win over the Phoenix at John Cain Arena.

Goorjian insisted Foxwell provoked his response with an initial comment, which was not picked up on the broadcast, but refused to discuss the specifics of what was said.

The 72-year-old - a six-time NBL championship-winning coach - was unapologetic over his role in the incident, which earned him a technical foul.

"If something's said to you, I'm going to say something back," Goorjian told reporters post game.

"If they want to give me a technical (foul), they can give me a technical.

"He tells me what he said, I'm coming right back at him. I didn't think there was a place for that.

"I wasn't talking to the referee. He didn't do anything when he went at me, and I don't just go at a player.

"I went there and he said something and I went back at him."

The NBL game review panel will look over available footage of all incidents referred by the league's replay centre.

Goorjian's spray will almost certainly be on the radar during Monday's review of round 20.

The NBL will also likely investigate reports of a confrontation between SEM coach Josh King and Sydney's MVP candidate Kendric Davis, which allegedly took place after the game in the tunnel that leads to the locker rooms.

Phoenix owner Romie Chaudhari has twice taken to social media to address the fiery contest, lashing Goorjian and addressing the tunnel clash.

"Some folks are saying our coach confronted KD in the tunnel, couldn't be further from the truth, it was the other way around," Chaudhari posted on X.

"A broadcaster left mid-press conference to go snitch to KD, which then incited that whole 'confrontation' in the tunnel, a confrontation initiated by KD.

"Let's see how this is addressed in the aftermath. Unfortunately, there is a 'good 'ol boys club' mentality that is ever prevalent, so I won't hold my breath."

Speaking post game - before the alleged tunnel stoush - King said Goorjian's actions were "completely uncalled for".

"It's really surprising, a guy that's done everything he's done in his career to think it's OK to tell an opposing player 'F you' three times," King told reporters.

"That's very disappointing and it's not right.

"Hey, it is what it is. Maybe he thinks that's OK.

"I just know that I've never seen that before, and I've coached around the world too."

Sunday's result lifted Sydney (21-9) above the Phoenix (21-10) into second spot on the ladder, with just two rounds left in the regular season.