Cheltenham’s Southern Basketball Association being sued for defamation
ONE of Melbourne’s largest basketball associations is being sued by a coach and former sponsor for defamation, after he was accused of “inappropriate and intimidating behaviour” towards an under-18s player.
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ONE of Melbourne’s largest basketball associations is being sued by a coach and former sponsor for defamation, after he was accused of “inappropriate and intimidating behaviour” towards an under-18s player.
Matt Nunn, who owns Nunn Media, launched the legal action against Cheltenham’s Southern Basketball Association after an email was sent to parents about his alleged misconduct.
The large association is home to 12 clubs and about 4500 players.
An email seen by Leader, which was sent by the league’s board-appointed grievance officer, said the complaint against Mr Nunn alleged “inappropriate and intimidating behaviour by the coach” towards an under-18s player.
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It’s understood several parents were furious after receiving the email, and contacted the association to complain, as it wasn’t in line with Basketball Victoria’s formal complaints process.
The parent of one player, who has been involved with the league for more than 10 years, said he was horrified after receiving the email.
“This was disgraceful behaviour by the club,” said the man, who did not want to be named.
“It was shocking that parents received this email from the board as it caused so much hostility,” he said.
“I believe the child quit because he thought he wasn’t getting the court time he deserved.”
Mr Nunn’s lawyer Radhika Kanhai said the case was before the Supreme Court, and did not want to comment.
Southern Basketball Association president Peter Ryan said he acknowledged a matter had been lodged by an individual in the Supreme Court, which named the association as the second defendant.
Mr Ryan said Nunn Media did not renew its sponsorship in March, and had parted on good terms.
The association has been working with Bayside Council to try and build four new courts in a longstanding $10 million project, and are seeking a large state government grant.
“The matter has nothing to do with the four courts project. The SBA has notified Bayside Council of the litigation,” Mr Ryan said.
He said the association handled all complaints seriously.
“The SBA will always act in the best interest of its members and in accordance with the Basketball Victoria Code of Conduct, Basketball Victoria’s Member Protection By-Laws and the Victoria State Government Child Safety Standards,” he said.
Basketball Victoria spokesman Jarrod Potter said the league was aware of matters surrounding the club and was continuing to monitor them.
“It is inappropriate for any comment to be made on matters before the Supreme Court,” Mr Potter said.
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