Cairns NBL import's 1-yr ban for ref clash
Feb 24, 2017 - 5:08 AM Cairns import Tony Mitchell has been banned for the entire 2017-18 NBL season for throwing the ball at a referee after the Taipans' semi-final loss to Perth.Mitchell was found guilty of deliberately throwing the ball at referee Vaughan Mayberry after the Taipans were eliminated by the Wildcats on Monday night at Perth Arena.
It was just the former NBA D-League player's 10th game with the Taipans, having signed only last month with the club.
Tribunal chair Tony Nolan QC ruled that while Mitchell had not intended to hurt the official and the force was not significant enough to cause injury, the act was serious enough to justify the penalty.
He noted Mitchell had taken the time to shake his opponents' hands before the incident and had not apologised to Mayberry.
"Whether it be at the lowest level of the NBL and NBA at the professional level, referees must be protected," he said in a statement.
"Any intentional physical contact with officials will not be tolerated."
Mitchell, who had not attended the hearing, will be suspended until February 23, 2018.
Source: AAP
No one has shouted yet.
Be the first!
Be the first!
Related News
- Wildcats maul Cairns Taipans in NBL Dec 31
- Hawks fly too high for Bullets in NBL Dec 31
- Gaze questions the resolve of his Kings Dec 30
- Breakers aren't our bunnies: 36ers coach Dec 29
- 36ers down Breakers in NBL thriller Dec 29
- Wildcat Martin set for early NBL return Dec 28
- Cairns coach fuming after Hawks defeat Dec 28
- Hawks sneak past Taipans in NBL thriller Dec 28
- United import makes immediate NBL impact Dec 28
- Adelaide losses cast aside: Breakers coach Dec 27
- Defence and depth fuel United NBL streak Dec 26
- Melb United snatch NBL win over Bullets Dec 26