Tasmania JackJumpers coach Scott Roth takes aim at NBL boss Larry Kestelman

JackJumpers coach Scott Roth is in hot water for comments about NBL boss Larry Kestelman after battling with referees in Melbourne, while Rob Lowe is also being looked at after being ejected.

Tasmania JackJumpers have reprimanded coach Scott Roth after he made “inappropriate” comments about NBL boss Larry Kestelman during Monday night’s win over Melbourne United.

Broadcast footage picked up a frustrated Roth saying: “It’s Larry Kestelman’s f**ken league” after he was slapped with a technical foul during the second quarter of the 97-91 victory.

The American-born mentor had a running battle with the officials the entire night despite masterminding another win over United.

JackJumpers chairman Steve Old confirmed he contacted Roth to reinforce that his actions won’t be tolerated.

"It's Larry Kestelman's f**ken league" ... lol, Roth with the truth bomb. Hang on though, doesn't Lazza own the Jackies? 🤣🤣 #NBL25pic.twitter.com/ptRztQEeUO

— Julian O'Brien (@Julian_OBrien) December 23, 2024

“We’ve spoken to Scott and explained the situation and made it clear that this sort of behaviour doesn’t fit our culture and the behaviours we want from our coach or anyone associated with the club,” Old said.

“We made it clear that we don’t want to see this type of stuff happen again.

“Scott said it happened in the heat of the battle, but he has accepted that it doesn’t fit our club standards. We take these things seriously, whether it is the coach, a player or anyone.

“One of the best things about the NBL is the live mic in games, but we’ve got to take the good with the bad when someone says something in the heat of the battle that sometimes isn’t appropriate.

“We want to make sure that the JackJumpers are seen as one of the leaders in the NBL.”

Rob Loe has been ejected after this incident.⁰
Watch live on ESPN 📺 pic.twitter.com/SIRqoBzpls

— NBL (@NBL) December 23, 2024

Code Sports contacted Roth for comment, but he declined. It comes as the Tasmania coach wasn’t asked post-game about his remarks aimed at Kestelman.

Code Sports has contacted the NBL for comment about a potential fine or sanction and is awaiting a response.

Tasmania has now won eight of 10 games against Melbourne at John Cain Arena, while it was United’s fourth straight loss.

Meanwhile, United centre Rob Loe has been charged with unduly rough play for elbowing JackJumpers forward Anthony Drmic during the fourth quarter of Monday’s clash.

The NBL’s Game Review Panel (GRP) determined Loe will receive a one-game suspension (reduced to a $1550 fine with an early guilty plea).

United can accept or appeal the decision.

United travel to Cairns to take on the Taipans on Boxing Day, while the JackJumpers host the New Zealand Breakers on Christmas Day from 6pm (AEDT).

Originally published as Tasmania JackJumpers coach Scott Roth takes aim at NBL boss Larry Kestelman