Update: Melbourne v Adelaide incident

The NBL has provided the following updates on the Melbourne United v Adelaide 36ers game from Round 9:

Tuesday, November 26, 3pm AEDT
The Adelaide 36ers released the following statement in regards to sanctions handed down to Montrezl Harrell (three games and fine) and Kendric Davis (two games):

Adelaide 36ers respect yesterday’s decision of the NBL Single Member Tribunal (SMT) hearing for Kendric Davis and Montrezl Harrell.

Both Kendric and Montrezl have taken responsibility for their part in the incidents during the November 17 match against Melbourne United at John Cain Arena.

We will continue to protect our players and actively support their physical and mental wellbeing.

Kendric and Montrezl appreciate all the words of support from around the NBL, especially our amazing home fans.

Kendric will return on Sunday, December 8 against Perth Wildcats with Montrezl to follow on Saturday, December 14 against New Zealand Breakers at Adelaide Entertainment Centre. 

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Tuesday, November 26, 2pm AEDT
The National Basketball League (NBL) advises the Integrity Department has completed its investigation into the spectator conduct from the Melbourne United v Adelaide 36ers game on Sunday, November 17. 
 
One spectator has received a lifetime ban, and one spectator has received a 10-year ban, from all NBL games in all venues. 
  
“The NBL is, and always will be, a family-friendly sport and we will not tolerate any behaviour that goes against that,” NBL CEO, David Stevenson, said. 
  
“We hope this sends a clear message that sitting courtside at NBL games is a privilege. One of the great things about basketball is sitting up close to talented players, and we will always strive to protect and preserve that experience.
 
“We commend the swift action from club officials who intervened in an attempt to defuse the situation between Adelaide players and the fans.”

Melbourne United released the following statement: 
The NBL have advised that its Integrity Department has completed its investigation into the spectator conduct from the 17 November game between Melbourne United and the Adelaide 36ers.

One spectator has received a lifetime ban, and one spectator has received a 10-year ban, from all NBL games in all venues.

"I wanted to re-emphasise that Melbourne United does not condone or accept inappropriate fan behaviour at our games.

"We are committed to maintaining the most inclusive and welcoming environment in Australian sport, whilst ensuring the safety of players, staff and fans.

"Having assisted the NBL throughout the course of its investigation, we support the findings and sanctions handed down to the spectators involved."

All quotes attributed to Melbourne United CEO, Nick Truelson.

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Monday, November 25, 5pm AEDT
The National Basketball League (NBL) advises the Single Member Tribunal (SMT) has completed its hearing into incidents that occurred during the Melbourne v Adelaide game on Sunday, November 17.
 
Montrezl Harrell has been suspended for 3 games and received fines totalling $3,685 after the SMT upheld two charges of striking ($1,550 fine each), a charge of engaging in a melee ($585 fine) and a charge of inappropriate grabbing or handling of a spectator (3 game suspension).
 
Kendric Davis has been suspended for 2 games after the SMT upheld a charge of inappropriate grabbing or handling of a spectator.
 
The NBL respects the decision of the SMT.
 
Adelaide may appeal the SMT’s determination to a Full Member Tribunal.
 
The NBL Integrity Department’s investigation of the spectator incident from the game remains ongoing.

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Monday, November 25, 12pm AEDT
The NBL advises today’s Single Member Tribunal hearing will begin at 2pm AEDT and is not open to the media. The results of the hearing will be provided via the League’s communications channels.

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Friday, November 22, 1pm AEDT
The Single Member Tribunal hearing for Adelaide players Montrezl Harrell and Kendric Davis has been adjourned to Monday (November 25). Further details will be provided.

Adelaide released the following statement shortly after:
Over the past week the Adelaide 36ers have focused on supporting Kendric Davis and Montrezl Harrell, both practically and emotionally, in relation to the charges against them at Monday’s Tribunal hearing.

The Club has retained highly experienced counsel, James McLeod, to represent both players. James has extensive experience in sports law, including in relation to racially based, derogatory or offensive language issues.

The Club and the players will not make any further comment until the conclusion of this process.

Melbourne released the following statement:
Melbourne United is aware of speculation regarding racially based, derogatory or offensive language allegedly used by spectators during last week’s game against the Adelaide 36ers.

Throughout our own investigation and collaboration with the NBL investigation, the club has not been made aware that any such comments have been able to be substantiated or corroborated.

The club will continue to assist NBL’s tribunal process.

United is committed to ensuring basketball is a safe and inclusive place for all, and does not condone or accept inappropriate fan behaviour at our games.

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Wednesday, November 20, 2pm AEDT
The National Basketball League (NBL) advises the Game Review Panel (GRP) has completed its assessment of the fourth quarter incidents in Sunday’s Melbourne v Adelaide game.

Adelaide players Montrezl Harrell and Kendric Davis have been referred directly to a Single Member Tribunal.

Harrell has been charged with two charges of striking, engaging in a melee and inappropriate grabbing or handling of a spectator.

Davis has been charged with inappropriate grabbing or handling of a spectator.

The Single Member Tribunal will sit at 1pm AEDT on Friday.

Melbourne player Shea Ili has been charged with engaging in a melee, resulting in a $775 fine or a $585 fine with an early plea.

Melbourne assistant coach David Barlow has been charged with bench clearing during a fight. This incident incurs a $775 fine or a $585 fine with an early plea. Under FIBA rules, only a head coach and/or first assistant coach are permitted to leave the team bench area during a fight, or during any situation which may lead to a fight, to assist the referees to maintain or to restore order.

Melbourne can accept or appeal the decisions.

The NBL Integrity Department’s investigation of fan behaviour from the game remains ongoing.

Melbourne United released the following statement shortly after:
The NBL’s Game Review Panel has completed its assessment of the fourth quarter incidents in Sunday’s Melbourne v Adelaide game.

Shea Ili has been charged with engaging in a melee, resulting in a $775 fine or a $585 fine with an early plea. Ili has accepted the early plea.

Assistant coach David Barlow has been charged with bench clearing during a fight. This incident incurs a $775 fine or a $585 fine with an early plea. Barlow has accepted the early plea. While Barlow only left the bench to de-escalate the situation, under FIBA rules, only a head coach and/or first assistant coach are permitted to leave the team bench area during an altercation, or during any situation which may lead to an altercation, to assist the referees to maintain or to restore order.

The NBL Integrity Department's investigation of fan behaviour from the game remains ongoing.

Melbourne United remains committed to creating the most inclusive and welcoming environment in Australian sport, while ensuring the safety of players, staff and fans.

The club does not condone or accept inappropriate fan behaviour at our games.

The club will continue to support the investigation and will make no further comment until it is concluded.

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Monday, November 18, 6pm AEDT
All relevant matters that arose from yesterday’s Melbourne United v Adelaide 36ers game at John Cain Arena have been referred to the NBL’s Game Review Panel (GRP).

Requests for submissions have been sent to both Melbourne (Shea Ili and David Barlow) and Adelaide (Montrezl Harrell and Kendric Davis) in relation to yesterday’s incidents. All parties have until 6pm tomorrow to make submissions.

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Sunday, November 17, 7pm AEDT
The NBL is investigating the incident between Adelaide 36ers players and fans from today's game at John Cain Arena.

Four fans were immediately ejected after the incident.

Updates will be provided in due course.