A WARRNAMBOOL basketballer has been handed a 297-week ban.
Tim Herbert was found guilty of eight charges relating to a Warrnambool Basketball Incorporated (WBI) men’s division five domestic match on February 20.
Herbert received a 277-week suspension and copped an additional 20 weeks for failing to appear at his tribunal hearing on March 6. His suspension ends on December 12, 2018.
Herbert’s penalties comprised 100 weeks for threatening, 100 weeks for putting in fear, 20 weeks for obscene gesture, 20 weeks for offensive language, 19 weeks for bringing the game into disrepute, six weeks each for disputing decisions, unsportsmanlike behaviour and gross breaches of code.
WBI senior sub-committee chairman Rebel Noter said Herbert was given the maximum penalties as set out by the Victorian Basketball Referees Association. He was also banned from Warrnambool Stadium for 52 weeks.
“We are an affiliated association which means he is rubbed out from playing in basketball affiliated competitions all over Australia,” he said.
“He can’t register.” Noter said Herbert was not a “physical” player and his actions were “heat of the moment”.
“He was remorseful that night. He apologised for his behaviour but we still have to go through the processes,” Noter said.
WBI chairman Shane Dean said the association rarely had tribunal hearings and wanted to ensure a safe and friendly environment for its players and referees.
“It is an independent tribunal. I know they take the role seriously,” Dean said.
“They would have assessed the information in front of them. I would back the tribunal because they wouldn’t make the decision lightly.”
Dean said the issue would be discussed at a WBI meeting tomorrow night.
