‘Needs to be respected’ NBL boss’ take on fans sitting courtside amid investigation into ugly altercation
Amid the ongoing investigation of round nine’s ugly fan/player altercation, NBL boss Larry Kestelmen has sent a clear but firm message to the ‘privileged’ courtside seated fans.
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NBL boss Larry Kestelman has sent a clear message to fans who over step the mark sitting in courtside seats, declaring: “They are in a privileged position” and must act accordingly.
Kestelman’s stance against anti-social behaviour in a “family” league comes as officials work through last Sunday’s ugly verbal and physical altercation between Melbourne fans and Adelaide players at John Cain Arena.
At the time of print, the NBL’s investigation into the four fans who were ejected from the game was ongoing.
The fan wearing the hoodie, who was seen verbally spraying and making physical contact with 36ers staff and players, is still unknown to officials.
United courtside seat holder Allen Ibrahim also engaged in verbal dialogue with Adelaide players, which has been backed up by United supporters who contacted Crosscourt this week.
Ibrahim was also seen high-fiving supporters on his way out of the venue after being ejected.
It’s unknown what punishment the fans in question will receive for their role in the altercation, but Kestelman’s stance on poor behaviour is simple.
“It’s a privilege to sit courtside and it’s a privilege to be that close to athletes, so that privilege needs to be respected,” Kestelman said.
“Not many sports afford you the privilege to be that close.
“For as long as I’m around it (the NBL) will continue to be a family first product. “We had a kerfuffle last weekend and I can tell you the rules and how we set it up and we will protect and keep it as a family product.
“From the conversations that I’ve had with Melbourne United, they feel exactly the same way as I do.
“It’s a family product and that is what we need to stand for.”
It comes as United made the surprise step of publicly refuting racial abuse allegations levelled at a fan.
The NBL adjourned the hearing into Adelaide duo Montrezl Harrell and Kendric Davis, who face up to 10 game bans for making physical contact with fans, on Friday after the club requested more time to prepare a defence around the racial abuse that incited the violence.
But I’m the bad guy right I literally try calm down but then mf want try the tuff 💩💩 so now I’m riding for my team sorry not sorry 🤷ðŸ¿â€â™‚ï¸ðŸ¤·ðŸ¿â€â™‚ï¸ðŸ¤·ðŸ¿â€â™‚ï¸ https://t.co/KNWdyekzQM
— ÙŽ (@monstatrezz) November 17, 2024
But within hours of the adjournment, United issued a statement that called into question the racial abuse claims reported by the 36ers that were directed towards Davis that incited last Sunday’s spectator brawl at John Cain Arena.
“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,” the statement said.
“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.”
The 36ers have called in an experienced legal counsel, James McLeod, in an attempt to have the duo cleared of charges related to the crowd brawl last Sunday.
The 36ers confirmed the club had appointed a lawyer with a speciality in sports law and racial issues after Code Sports revealed the player reportedly had been told to “sit your black arse down” which sparked the wild scenes.
STADIUMS KEY TO EXPANSION
No stadium, no new team. That’s Kestelman’s simple mantra when it comes to the NBL expanding.
The league boss confirmed he has received up to a dozen proposals and conversations for new franchises, including Geelong, Gold Coast, Canberra and second teams in Perth and Sydney.
Kestelman wants to expand – with a long-term vision of four new teams in the next five years – but only if the model and timing aligns.
“Venues are really important - without venues I don’t think it works,” he said.
“We’re not about to go backwards and put clubs into small venues that aren’t sustainable or at least not without government support.
“Any new team that comes in we will be assessing their benefit to the ecosystem of basketball and their own individual sustainability.
“So, can the club be profitable, will it work in the region.”
LONGER SEASON
Kestelman wants to see a longer NBL season in the coming seasons as the booming league continues to expand.
The Australian domestic league currently has 28 regular season games –a number the boss would like to see grow.
“I actually think we as a league don’t play enough games,” Kestelman said.
“I think now that our venues are at 80 to 90 per cent capacity, we need to start growing the number of games that we play.
“If you look at our whole season we play 28 games. NBA plays 82 plus playoffs. I don’t for one second suggest we should be playing that, but 28 in my opinion now that the venues are full, is not enough.”
MOVE INTO ASIA
Expansion into Asia is part of the NBL’s long-term plan after the NBA identified the Australian league as the best pathway for Asian players to reach the world’s best competition.
Kestelman revealed talks with the NBA about capitalising on Asia’s proximity to Australia have become more frequent.
“The NBA acknowledges that it would like more Asian players in the NBA and that we are the most logical opportunity for Asian players to make it to the NBA through the NBL,” said Kestelman, who recently returned from talks in Jakarta, Indonesia.
“So, how do we work more closely with Asia to be a better producer of Asian talent to the NBA.”
Kestelman can see a future where the NBL has teams based out of Asia competing in the competition.
“If you asked me the same question a few years ago I would have said maybe, but I can clearly say yes now,” he said.
“Asia is without a doubt part of our future – in what format? That is what we are going to work out.
“So it could be anything from player development, sports diplomacy, business, pre-season trips and ultimately with one or two teams playing out of Asia.”
PUTTING WNBL ON THE MAP
The exposure-starved WNBL has the perfect representative to grow women’s basketball in Tesla chair and Sydney Kings owner Robyn Denholm, according to Kestelman.
Denholm via the Wollemi Capital Group Syndicate (WCGS) has joined forces with the NBL to acquire a majority stake in the WNBL.
Kestelman is excited to work alongside such a successful businesswoman.
“I’m really proud of who I’ve partnered with in Robyn,” Kestelman said, as the WNBL is set to announce a new CEO.
“I think it was really important for the women of this country to have a female role model to head this league up.
“So, Robyn is the chair and I think we have an amazing combination.”
The WNBL is the longest running women’s sporting domestic competition in Australia, but it has fallen behind other female sport in the marketing space.
Kestelman is determined to return the WNBL to its rightful place as a pioneering league for women’s sport in this country, even if it will take time.
“NBL was very hard and I don’t for one second think that the WNBL will be any different,” he said.
“I think there is a lot of work to be done. The model needs to be worked out and evolved.
“Basketball Australia is still a shareholder, myself and Robyn. The pillars are there, but there is a lot of work to be done, but I’m super happy that the ecosystem is closer than ever.
“To have all of us working together will stand us in good stead.”
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