South East Melbourne Phoenix owner Romie Chaudhari has reignited his longstanding feud with Melbourne United, a rivalry that has become a staple of the National Basketball League (NBL). In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Chaudhari aimed a sharp jab at United star Chris Goulding, dubbing him “The Flopper” ahead of an anticipated clash with the Adelaide 36ers and Bryce Cotton scheduled for this Sunday.
Chaudhari’s provocative comments have once again put the spotlight on the Phoenix-United rivalry, with the Phoenix owner questioning which player would receive more favorable calls during the game. “Which of these great players is gonna get more calls? The Flopper (Goulding) or Bryce?” he posted. “My money is still on Bryce getting to the line more, even though Flopper has home cookin’ for this one and gets the award for best manufacturer of bullsh*t calls….can’t wait,” he added.
Escalating Tensions
This latest outburst is part of a series of verbal skirmishes between Chaudhari and Melbourne United, a team often seen as Phoenix’s “big brother” in the league. Goulding’s agent, Daniel Moldovan, quickly responded to Chaudhari’s comments, defending his client and criticizing Chaudhari’s approach.
“You know what they say…. Class and professionalism trickles down from the top. If this is how the owner of an NBL team publicly refers to one of the greatest ambassadors of our league and one of the greatest Australian players of all time, it’s no surprise the club has won absolutely NOTHING since their time in the league. Phoenix fans deserve better.”
Moldovan’s remarks underscore the ongoing tensions between the two clubs, a rivalry that has been fueled by Chaudhari’s outspoken nature and willingness to publicly criticize United players and officials.
A History of Controversy
Chaudhari’s history of controversial comments is well-documented. In January 2023, he criticized Mason Peatling, then a United player, following an incident involving Keanu Pinder of the Cairns Taipans. Chaudhari accused Peatling of making a “dirty play,” drawing parallels to a previous altercation during a Throwdown clash in NBL22.
Fast forward to October 2024, Chaudhari labeled Goulding a “flopper” after Phoenix’s 93–84 victory over United. “Goulding constantly flops and cries about it, that shi*t is weak. Great win for SEM, they earned it, so proud of the effort. Way to keep fighting!” he declared, further fanning the flames of rivalry.
United head coach Dean Vickerman has also weighed in, expressing disappointment over Chaudhari’s personal attacks. “I’d be disappointed if one of our owners made personal comments about another team’s player… we’ll remember for the next time we play them,” he stated, indicating that the rivalry is far from over.
NBL’s Response and Future Implications
The NBL has not turned a blind eye to Chaudhari’s behavior. In February 2025, he was fined $10,000 for derogatory comments directed at referee Nico Fernandez. Following Phoenix’s loss to the Perth Wildcats, Chaudhari posted a photo of Fernandez, calling him the “front runner for the worst ref ever, by a mile” and “exceptionally bad.” Recognizing his misstep, Chaudhari later issued an apology to Fernandez, acknowledging that his actions were in poor taste.
“I fully accept responsibility for my actions, which were in poor taste and not reflective of the person I am or want to be,”
Chaudhari stated, attempting to mend fences.
As the Phoenix and United prepare for their next encounter, Chaudhari’s comments have set the stage for another heated matchup. The rivalry not only captivates fans but also raises questions about sportsmanship and the role of team owners in the public discourse surrounding the league.
Looking ahead, the NBL may need to address the broader implications of such public feuds, balancing the excitement they generate with the potential for negative impacts on the league’s image. As Chaudhari continues to be a polarizing figure, both Phoenix and United fans will be watching closely to see how this rivalry evolves.
