WNBL 2023: Sydney Flames accuse coach Shane Heal of bullying, vow to fight him in court

Sydney Flames coach Shane Heal has spoken out against bullying allegations, strongly denying he has ever risked the health and safety of players.

Shane Heal has strongly denied bullying allegations made by the Sydney Flames, which have resulted in the four-time Olympian being stood down as head coach pending an investigation.

It comes as the Flames released a statement on Tuesday, confirming News Corp’s report that multiple players had lodged bullying claims against the Australian basketball legend.

The franchise stated that Heal’s alleged behaviour sparked an internal investigation because there was a “risk to the health and safety of players”.

The Flames’ stance prompted a powerful response from Heal.

“I deny that I have at any stage acted in a manner to risk the health and safety of any person or player,” Heal said in a statement.

“To the contrary, I have sought to safeguard the wellbeing and interests of players, and support them. I have not been informed by Sydney Flames (or any other organisation) of the identity of any persons who may have raised concerns.

“I am disappointed that they (the Flames) made the statement without any consultation or notice, particularly when there are Court proceedings on foot.

“Of concern, the statement is inaccurate and incomplete in a number of respects. In these circumstances, I have no choice but to briefly respond.”

The Sydney Flames have accused stood down head coach Shane Heal of bullying players. Picture: Getty Images.

Heal also reacted to the Flames’ claims that the club sees “no merit” in the ex-guard’s “legal maneuverings” to settle bullying allegations in court.

The retired NBL star hasn’t coached Sydney’s WNBL side since January 15 when he was stood down with full pay, pending an investigation.

This prompted Heal to take his case against the Flames to the Federal Court due to dissatisfaction with progress of the independent workplace investigation.

He applied for a Federal Court injunction against the Flames, which went to mediation, and remains unresolved.

In his lawsuit against the Flames, Heal claims the club contravened employment law by suspending him, requiring that he remain absent from the workplace, and making findings of misconduct against him on February 3.

Sydney Flames owner Paul Smith and president Victoria Denholm are also alleged in court documents to have been involved in these breaches.

The Flames labelled Heal’s desire to take matters to court as a stalling tactic to “block” the club from completing its investigation – a claim the championship-winning guard denies.

“I do not accept the accusation by the Sydney Flames that I am engaging in litigation for some improper purpose,” he said.

“The present litigation is my attempt to defend my rights and entitlements, and also pursue the concerns which I have about the investigation process; allegations raised; and reliance by Sydney Flames on these allegations.

“I take pride in my role and respect each and every player.

“I also respect my coaching staff who have worked tirelessly alongside me and continue to do a fantastic job.”

Heal stated he hasn’t had any issues with players or staff since being employed as the Sydney Flames’ head coach in March, 2021.

He also detailed how he approached Flames officials with various concerns affecting his ability to coach the team.

Heal specifically mentions raising an issue with how he was treated by a senior member of the Sydney Flames management on January 7 this year.

“Soon after, I was suspended,” he said.

“At a later stage, I was provided with, in my view, broadly stated and general allegations.

“While I cannot, at this stage, go into the nature of the allegations and the investigation which was undertaken, I wish to make clear that I have raised concerns about the nature of the allegations; the motivation of raising them as at 20 January 2023; and fundamental deficiencies in the investigation process which was undertaken. I have also provided a detailed response.

“Given the present litigation, I cannot make any further comment about the alleged contraventions which I am pursuing against the Sydney Flames, Paul Smith (Chairman and Co-owner) and Victoria Denholm (President).”

Heal and the Flames are back in court on Wednesday.