Tensions in the NBL Grand Final have officially spilled off the court, with former NBA star Andrew Bogut facing accusations of fat-shaming Adelaide 36ers owner Grant Kelley during a series of heated confrontations.
The drama began after Adelaide’s dramatic one-point win over the Sydney Kings in Game 2. According to Kelley, Bogut confronted him in the tunnel and unleashed a “tirade of profanities,” including a vulgar, body-shaming insult. Kelley told News Corp the moment was completely unprovoked, calling Bogut “a nasty piece of work.”
Bogut fired back immediately, denying he initiated the argument and claiming Kelley approached him first.
“I talked s*** back as he waddled off,” Bogut posted. “He’s playing victim.”
Things escalated further during Game 3 when spectators claimed they heard Bogut hurl another weight-based insult at Kelley. The Adelaide owner later acknowledged the comments were indeed about his size, saying, “That’s my journey, that’s my issue.”
Bogut continued fueling the feud on social media, posting a jab referencing a Hungry Jack’s drive-thru and sharing a meme of Peter Griffin widely interpreted as mocking Kelley’s weight.
Adelaide has since filed a formal complaint with the NBL, accusing Bogut of “persistent and repeated personal attacks” and condemning body-shaming and cyberbullying.
The controversy adds yet another layer to an already fiery championship series. Game 1 saw a tense post-game interaction between players, and Game 2 ended with a buzzer-beater followed by clashes involving Bryce Cotton and Kendric Davis.
By Game 3, the rivalry had become deeply personal, stretching far beyond basketball.
As the series continues, the spotlight now sits not on the court but on Bogut, Kelley, and the fallout of a feud that shows no signs of slowing down.