NBL spectator banned for life after on-field brawl

The NBL has banned one spectator for life and another for 10 years for their role in an on-field brawl with Adelaide 36ers players.

Tuesday’s announcement marked a long-awaited resolution to the ugly scenes that unfolded during the fourth quarter of Adelaide’s loss to Melbourne United at John Cain Arena two Sundays ago.

Two fans on the court reignited tensions shortly after an on-court brawl between players, getting physically involved with Sixers imports Montrezl Harrell and Kendric Davis.

The NBL’s one-man tribunal banned Harrell and Davis for three and two games respectively for their roles in the incident.

Former NBA Sixth Man of the Year Harrell was also fined $3,685 following Monday’s hearing.

The Sixers have since accepted the sanctions despite a social media post from Harrell that appeared to question whether his punishment was justified.

African-American Davis alleged spectators hurled racist insults at him before the fight, a claim corroborated by two Adelaide staff members.

But the NBL tribunal could not find microphone evidence to conclusively prove this allegation.

The court heard testimony from the fan who was ultimately banned for 10 years.

This spectator has been a long-time attendee of Melbourne United matches, which AAP claims was taken into account to spare him a lifetime ban.

It is believed the other fan was attending his first NBL game. Both were sent off on match day.

NBL chief executive David Stevenson hoped the league had drawn a line in the sand with its sanctions.

“The NBL is and always will be a family sport and we will not tolerate any behavior that goes against that,” NBL chief executive David Stevenson said.

“We hope this sends a clear message that sitting courtside at NBL games is a privilege. One of the great things about basketball is being in close proximity to talented players, and we will strive always protect and preserve this experience.

“We commend the swift action of club officials who intervened to attempt to de-escalate the situation between Adelaide players and supporters.”

Davis will play his first match against the Perth Wildcats on December 8, while Harrell will return to the field against the New Zealand Breakers on December 14.

“Both Kendric and Montrezl have taken responsibility for their part in the incidents,” the 36ers said.

But Harrell took to social media on Monday evening to question whether United players should have been punished for their role in the initial brawl on the pitch.

He also appeared to question the two striking charges that contributed $3,100 to his fines.

“No one else involved in the situation eh @NBL only me and KD lol no players from another team just the coach for coming off the bench lol! Yeah I’m a good man smh,” he said he writes on X, formerly Twitter.

“Lmao and please cut him with a closed fist, because if I had punched one you would have definitely known, but I didn’t, so stop preaching it to give the impression that the punishment was justified.”

PAA