Adelaide 36ers stars Montrezl Harrell and Kendric Davis have been suspended for their roles in a fiery altercation with fans in their recent NBL clash against Melbourne United.
Former NBA star Harrell and Davis appeared before an NBL tribunal via Zoom on Monday.
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).
Fate day: Adelaide 36ers pair Montrezl Harrell and Kendric Davis have appeared before the single member NBL tribunal as a result of this melee.Credit: Getty Images
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 had engaged leading sports lawyer, Sydney-based counsel James McLead, who specialises in dealing with “offensive language”, to fight their case for Davis and Harrell. The 36ers will now weigh up an appeal before a full member tribunal.
“The NBL respects the decision of the [tribunal],” the league said in a statement.
The NBL confirmed it continues to investigate members of the public after the 36ers claimed racial abuse was directed at Davis at John Cain Arena on November 17. This masthead has confirmed that an allegation of racist language aimed at Davis formed part of Adelaide’s submission to the NBL’s integrity unit.
The two players had expected to learn their fate on Friday, but the hearing was adjourned until Monday at the behest of the 36ers.
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, including one man wearing a grey hoodie, were evicted from the stadium after engaging in the off-court incident with 36ers players and staff. The man with the grey hoodie engaged in a physical altercation with Adelaide players, including star shooter Dejan Vasiljevic, and staff, and had to be held back.
United courtside seat holder Allen Ibrahim was reportedly seen high-fiving fans as he was also escorted out of the venue. He has not been accused of making racist comments. 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.
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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