NBL star Montrezl Harrell banned for involvement in wild fan melee as tribunal comes down hard
Updated . First published
American import Montrezl Harrell has been banned for three matches and fined a total of $3,685 after his involvement in a wild NBL melee that saw four spectators removed from John Cain Arena on Sunday, November 17.
In the fourth quarter of Melbourne United's 113-93 win over the Adelaide 36ers, a physical altercation broke out after Adelaide players clashed with a spectator.
The incident started as a scuffle between 36ers forward Harrell and opposing centre Rob Loe after Harrell received an offensive foul while driving to the basket.
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As Harrell kicked out at Loe while both players were sprawled on the floor, players from both sides came together.
A fight breaks out on the Adelaide 36ers bench as member of the crowd clash with players. Darrian Traynor via Getty Images
Things escalated further when Harrell took a swipe at United point guard Shea Ili — shoving his face.
Players returned to their respective benches while the referees reviewed the play.
However, words were soon exchanged between a group of courtside spectators and the 36ers players during the break.
Tensions boiled over as guard Dejan Vasiljevic appeared to be shoved by an attendee after he stepped over the advertising barrier.
The NBL's single member tribunal charged Harrell with two counts of striking, a charge of engaging in a melee and a charge of inappropriate grabbing or handling of a spectator.
Harrell's teammate Kendric Davis has also been suspended for two matches after he was charged with inappropriate grabbing or handling of a spectator.
Speaking after the incident, 36ers coach Mike Wells was outraged by the behaviour.
A member of the crowd covers his face as he is removed from John Cain Arena following a clash with 36ers players. Darrian Traynor via Getty Images
"People that are right in the front row, they cannot do that," he said.
"They can pay their money, they can cheer, they can yell at us but as soon as they start putting hands on people, now it's a different game."
"That's something you never want to see, right? Your fans are there to view the game and support the game," United coach Dean Vickerman said post-game.
The on-court clash saw former NBA player Harrell and Ili ejected from the game.
Taking to social media, Harrell refused to apologise for his conduct directly after the incident.
"But I'm the bad guy right I literally try calm down but then mf want try the tuff [sic] so now I'm riding for my team sorry not sorry," he said.
Tennis superstar Nick Kyrgios, who is an avid basketball fan, replied to Harrell's post and sympathised with the player's situation.
"Spectators should sit down and shut up and clap that's about it," he said via X.
The 36ers tried to get themselves back into the contest after Harrell exited with 20 points, getting the deficit to within seven, but were unable to change the result.
Adelaide could appeal the SMT's decision to a full member tribunal.
The NBL's integrity department is still investigating the spectator incident.
