Adelaide 36ers players Harrell, Davis referred direct to the tribunal after round nine mayhem
Two Adelaide 36ers’ stars are facing significant suspensions after the NBL completed its review of several ugly incidents in the loss to Melbourne United – one of which involved fans.
Adelaide 36ers players Montrezl Harrell and Kendric Davis could face 10-match bans after they were referred directly to the tribunal over the ugly incidents in Sunday’s mayhem at John Cain Arena.
The NBL’s Game Review Panel (GRP) completed its report of the two ugly fourth-quarter incidents from Melbourne United’s 113-93 win against Adelaide 36ers on Sunday, and have ordered both to front a one-man tribunal hearing on Friday.
Harrell, who returned home to the United States for the FIBA break, has been issued with two charges of striking, engaging in a melee and inappropriate grabbing or handling of a spectator.
The Sixers and Harrell are understood to have owned the import’s actions with Harrell appreciative of how the club and teammates stood up for him.
Fears he would not return after a break in the US have been quelled for now.
Meanwhile Davis, who was allegedly the victim of a racial slur during the game, has been charged with inappropriate grabbing or handling of a spectator. It is understood the club will fight any sanction handed to Davis.
Davis is understood to still be upset at an alleged racist comment directed his way from a fan that sparked the chaos.
The single member tribunal will sit on Friday at 1pm AEDT and it’s understood Adelaide has engaged a lawyer following the charges.
Davis and Harrell are facing significant suspensions if proven guilty.
The base penalty for “inappropriate grabbing or handling of a spectator” is up to 10 games, according to the NBL’s Tribunal Guidelines.
Code Sports understands Harrell is the only player that could be heard on the Channel 10 audio.
Melbourne United player Shea Ili has been charged with engaging in a melee and Melbourne assistant coach David Barlow has been charged with bench clearing during a fight.
Both Ili and Barlow have each been dealt 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.
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