Opals coach, ref banned for video leak
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The Opals’ Asia Cup coach Paul Goriss has been banned for a month and referee Simon Cosier axed for the rest of the WNBL season after the pair exchanged confidential footage of a rival club’s training session.
Basketball Australia announced on Tuesday that University of Canberra Capitals coach Goriss and Cosier had been found guilty of engaging in prohibited conduct under Basketball Australia’s framework for ethical behaviour and integrity.
BA claim Cosier supplied Goriss with confidential video clips of the Sydney Uni Flames’ training session that had been used for referee education purposes.
Following a BA investigation the matter was referred to an independent panel, who found no actual advantage was obtained by Goriss or the UC Capitals.
But the panel still recommended bans for the pair, a BA statement claiming they were “misusing inside information and engaging in conduct that would impair public confidence in the integrity and good character of basketball and its participants”.
“This incident was immediately referred to the (BA) integrity unit who undertook a full investigation and referred the matter to an independent hearing panel,” Basketball Australia chairman John Carey said.
“We will not tolerate this behaviour in basketball.
“It is unprofessional and extremely disappointing at any level of the game.”
Goriss coached the Opals to an impressive bronze at the recent Asia Cup and has been an assistant to head coach Sandy Brondello in recent years.
He has been banned from any coaching activities with his WNBL club or the national program until January 20, with the WNBL’s regular season running until late March.
The pair have 14 days to appeal the decision.
