3 minute read
Adelaide 36ers coach Mike Wells is eager to turn his focus back on the NBL court following an ugly scuffle between players and spectators during round nine.
The Adelaide 36ers are ready to move on from their NBL courtside scuffle saga, with coach Mike Wells accepting the tribunal's punishments wholeheartedly.
The Sixers will host struggling defending champions the Tasmania JackJumpers on Saturday for their first game without star American imports Kendric Davis and Montrezl Harrell.
Davis and Harrell were suspended for two and three games respectively over their roles in the ugly scenes that marred a clash between Adelaide and Melbourne United on November 17.
Their round-nine clash at John Cain Arena had exploded in the final quarter when a back-and-forth between former NBA player Harrell and United's Rob Loe attracted teammates and eventually fans.
One of the spectators was subsequently banned from attending NBL games for life, with the other - a longtime United fan - receiving a 10-year suspension.
Wells spoke on Friday after last week's FIBA international window and supported the NBL's decisions.
"It's an honour and a privilege to be a part of the NBL," Wells said.
"Myself, the coaches, the players, you know, everybody, management, ownership, we respect the league's view.
"We accept everything."
The NBL had postponed the tribunal hearing for Davis and Harrell after Adelaide retained a lawyer who specialises in "racially based, derogatory or offensive language issues" in a bid to have the best possible legal representation.
It had emerged an alleged racial slur made by a fan against Davis was at the centre of the scuffle.
"KD and Trez have been a huge part of our team. We miss them," Wells said.
"We will carry on without them, and do what we can and try to hold this thing down, especially at home on Saturday night.
"When they get back, we're going to welcome them back to the group with open arms."
Clubs have also been put on notice by the NBL, reminded of their duty of care to keep players and fans safe as a condition of their licence.
Asked if he was comfortable with a fan being handed a life ban, Mills said: "That type of stuff is completely out of my wheelhouse and we'll be a part of the NBL.
"We love the NBL, whatever they decide on this deal, and just ready to focus on the season."
With the Sixers returning to their Adelaide Entertainment Centre home, Wells praised their faithful as the "best fans in the league".
"The way they packed that arena, the energy, the crowd, the noise, our guys love it," Wells said.
"Our home crowd has been unbelievable. We feel their energy, you know?
"We've got to do everything we can to protect that home court on Saturday night."
