Heal and Mackinnon Charged

The National Basketball League (NBL) has laid charges against Shane Heal (South Dragons) and Sam Mackinnon (Brisbane Bullets) following an alleged incident in the South Dragons versus Brisbane Bullets Philips Championship match in Melbourne last night.

Heal and Mackinnon will both face charges of Fighting arising from an alleged incident in the fourth quarter of the game at Vodafone Arena.

The referees at the match filed the charges following the game and, as a result, the matter will automatically be referred to the NBL Tribunal.

Under League rules both Heal and Mackinnon have until 5:00pm (AEDT) Monday 6 November to decide whether to have the case heard by NBL Tribunal Chairman Ken Madsen at a formal hearing, or to have the matter heard via a telephone hook-up.

NBL General Manager of Operations Chuck Harmison confirmed that both players would be eligible to play games for their teams in the meantime.

“Both players are entitled to due process under the NBL Rules and Regulations and we cannot hurry due process for the sake of expediency,” said Harmison. “We anticipate the Tribunal hearing being scheduled for Tuesday this week and both players are entitled to play for their teams in the interim.”

The Bullets play the Tigers in Melbourne tonight and the Dragons host the Kings on Monday.

Related Article:

Bullets dismiss Dragons’ fight (Fri Nov 3)