“We commend the swift action from club officials who intervened in an attempt to defuse the situation between Adelaide players and the fans.”
The bans come a day after 36ers stars Montrezl Harrell and Kendric Davis were suspended for their roles in the altercation with fans. The pair appeared before an NBL tribunal on Monday, with former AFL operations boss Adrian Anderson, now a prominent lawyer, leading the league’s case.
Former NBA star Harrell, who is in the US on a short break, and Davis appeared via Zoom.
Harrell was found guilty of inappropriate handling or grabbing of a spectator for which he was banned for three games, and also handed fines totalling $3685. He was found guilty of two charges of striking ($1550 fine for each) and a charge of engaging in a melee ($585 fine).
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Davis was suspended for two games after he was found guilty of inappropriate grabbing or handling of a spectator. The 36ers face defending champions Tasmania, Brisbane and Perth in their next three games.
The 36ers said on Tuesday they would not appeal the suspensions.
“Both Kendric and Montrezl have taken responsibility for their part in the incidents during the November 17 match against Melbourne United,” the 36ers said in a statement.
“We will continue to protect our players and actively support their physical and mental wellbeing. Kendric and Montrezel appreciate all the words of support from around the NBL, especially our amazing home fans.”
The 36ers had engaged leading sports lawyer, Sydney-based counsel James McLeod, who specialises in dealing with “offensive language”, to fight their case for Davis and Harrell.
Harrell was irate with what had allegedly been said to him by fans. The former NBA sixth man of the year stepped over the sponsorship padding on the sideline and into the fans’ zone space next to the 36ers bench.
Four fans were evicted from the stadium after engaging in the off-court incident with 36ers players and staff.
United officials, venue management and former NBL star Brad Newley helped to ease tensions before the four fans were ejected.
The drama unfolded following a push and shove between Harrell and Melbourne’s Rob Loe after a foul call. United guard Shea Ili then joined the fray, shoving and verbally sparring with Harrell, prompting a melee between both teams. Harrell took to social media on Tuesday to question why United players had not been punished.
Players returned to the benches for a video review of the scuffle, but tensions escalated when fans sitting courtside spoke with Harrell and other Adelaide players, including Davis.
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