NBL players Montrezl Harrell and Kendric Davis suspended for melee involving spectators

NBL players Montrezl Harrell and Kendric Davis were suspended and fined for their roles in the brawl involving spectators.

A single-member tribunal has upheld the league’s penalties for the duo’s actions during a few unpleasant minutes that worsened the match between Melbourne United and the Adelaide 36ers at the John Cain Arean on October 17.

The United-Sixers clash broke out when a scuffle between Harrell and United’s Rob Loe attracted teammates and eventually fans in the final quarter.

The situation escalated further when the Sixers returned to the bench and engaged in a verbal war with the courtside spectators, which quickly turned physical.

Four spectators, including a season ticket holder, were removed from the venue.

The league has not yet announced a decision regarding its investigation into spectator behavior.

The trial was postponed until Monday as the 36ers hired an attorney who specializes in “race-based, derogatory or offensive language issues” to defend Harrell and Davis.

Harrell was suspended from three games and fined a total of $3,685 after the court upheld two charges of assault, one count of engaging in a melee and one count of improperly grabbing or handling a spectator.

Davis received a two-game suspension after a charge of improperly grabbing or handling a spectator was upheld.

The NBL said the 36ers could appeal the decision to a full-member tribunal.

Adelaide will be at home on Saturday when they play the JackJumpers.

ABC/AAP