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NBL Game Review Panel Issues Suspensions and Fines Following Adelaide-Brisbane Brawl

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NBL Game Review Panel Decisions

The NBL's Game Review Panel (GRP) has issued penalties to both the Adelaide 36ers and Brisbane Bullets following an on-court altercation that occurred on January 28.

Suspensions and Fines Imposed

The GRP handed down suspensions and significant fines to key players directly involved in the incident.

  • Nick Rakocevic (Adelaide 36ers):

    • Charged with unsportsmanlike behavior.
    • Fined $585.
    • Received a one-match suspension, which was activated by a previously suspended penalty from an altercation in December.

  • Terry Taylor (Brisbane Bullets):

    • Charged with unduly rough play (intentional conduct, medium impact, high contact) for placing Rakocevic in a headlock.
    • Resulted in a one-match suspension.

Additional Fines for Involvement

Several other players and staff members from both clubs also received fines for their roles in the incident. All accepted early guilty pleas to reduce their penalties.

Adelaide 36ers:

  • Zylan Cheatham: Fined $585 for engaging in a melee/brawl/scuffle.
  • Assistant coach Kerry Williams: Fined $585 for bench-clearing.

Brisbane Bullets:

  • Hunter Maldonado: Fined $585 for unsportsmanlike behavior.
  • Alex Ducas: Fined $585 for bench-clearing.
  • Sam McDaniel: Fined $585 for bench-clearing.
  • Taine Murray: Fined $585 for bench-clearing.
  • Casey Prather: Fined $585 for bench-clearing.
  • Assistant coach Patrick Ewing Jr.: Fined $585 for bench-clearing.

Club Statements

Both clubs have issued statements acknowledging the GRP's decisions.

The Brisbane Bullets acknowledged their role in the incident and extended an apology to their fans, members, and sponsors. The Adelaide 36ers also released a statement, acknowledging and accepting the charges made by the GRP.

Dejan Vasiljevic's Comments

Adelaide 36ers guard Dejan Vasiljevic discussed the incident on SEN SA 1629 radio, expressing his strong view that the NBL should take robust action against Terry Taylor for placing Nick Rakocevic in a headlock. Vasiljevic described the sequence of events leading to the altercation, attributing the initial contact to Hunter Maldonado.

Rakocevic reported still feeling physical discomfort in his neck following the headlock. Vasiljevic expressed concern for Rakocevic's safety during the incident, mentioning he believed Rakocevic might pass out.

Vasiljevic also addressed comments he made in a post-match press conference, apologizing for any offense caused. He subsequently questioned the absence of an apology from Terry Taylor for the headlock and from Hunter Maldonado for initiating the scuffle. He reiterated his belief that such actions are not appropriate for a basketball game. The NBL GRP is currently investigating these additional matters and will hold a tribunal hearing.