36ers Harrell, Davis charged after NBL fan scuffle

Murray Wenzel |

Adelaide 36ers import Montrezl Harrell has been referred to an NBL tribunal hearing.
Adelaide 36ers import Montrezl Harrell has been referred to an NBL tribunal hearing.

Adelaide players Montrezl Harrell and Kendric Davis have been charged and face lengthy suspensions, but an investigation of spectator behaviour continues into the NBL scuffle that spilled into the stands.

Sunday’s clash in Melbourne exploded when a back-and-forth between former NBA sixth man of the year Harrell and United’s Rob Loe attracted teammates and eventually fans.

At least one fan laid hands on Adelaide captain Dejan Vasiljevic and general manager Matt Weston.

Harrell and fellow import Kendric Davis took particular offence and had to be held back from the spectator.

Adelaide's Kendric Davis.
Adelaide’s Kendric Davis has been charged with inappropriate grabbing or handling of a spectator. (Morgan Hancock/AAP PHOTOS)

Four ticket-holders were ejected from the arena, while Harrell and Shea Ili were ejected for what happened on-court. Melbourne won the game 113-93.

Adelaide  import Harrell was referred to a Friday tribunal hearing charged with two counts of striking, engaging in a melee and inappropriate grabbing or handling of a spectator.

Davis will face the tribunal charged with inappropriate grabbing or handling of a spectator.

Inappropriate grabbing or handling of a spectator warrants a suspension of up to 10 games.

Melbourne guard Ili and assistant coach David Barlow were both fined for their roles in the scuffle.

The investigation into fan behaviour continues.

After the game 36ers coach Mike Wells defended his players, and Harrell took to social media and blamed the fan for the incident escalating.

“But I’m the bad guy right I literally try calm down but then mf want try the tuff (two poo emojis). so now I’m riding for my team sorry not sorry (three shrug emojis)️,” he posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Tennis player Nick Kyrgios – a part-owner of NBL team South East Melbourne Phoenix – replied with a message of support for Harrell.

“Spectators should sit down and shut up and clap that’s about it trezz I’m with you,” Kyrgios posted.

AAP