NBL fines Perth Wildcats and wants apology from Ben Peterson after Jo Lual-Acuil and Kristian Doolittle spat

The NBL have come down hard on the Perth Wildcats over assistant coach Ben Peterson’s decision to cover up a broadcast camera last month, issuing them with a fine and asking for a written apology. The league wasn’t impressed that Peterson covered a camera with a piece of paper in an attempt to prevent the broadcaster from televising an argument between star pair Kristian Doolittle and Jo Lual-Acuil following a one-point loss to Melbourne United at RAC Arena. The NBL sent a “please explain” letter to the club and then handed them a $2000 fine which must be paid immediately, while also issuing a $1000 suspended fine. The extra fine will be invoked if another incident occurs over the next two years. “The National Basketball League (NBL) has determined that the Perth Wildcats breached clauses 2.3 and 2.6 of the NBL Code of Conduct in relation to interactions between Club personnel and broadcast staff during a live game broadcast,” the NBL said in a statement. “Consistent with the Club’s obligations to ensure appropriate conduct by its personnel, the Perth Wildcats have been sanctioned with a $3,000 fine, comprising $2,000 payable immediately and $1,000 suspended for a period of 24 months. “In determining the sanction, the NBL also had regard to a separate matter earlier in the season involving different Club personnel and interactions with broadcast staff. “The suspended portion of the fine will be triggered should any Club personnel commit a further Code of Conduct breach involving interactions with broadcast personnel during that period.“The Determination also requires the Club to complete internal education for relevant staff regarding appropriate interactions with broadcast and match-day personnel. In addition, Assistant Coach Ben Peterson will provide a formal written apology to the broadcast camera operator. “The Perth Wildcats may appeal within seven days of the date of the decision.” The size of the fine was significant for a NBL offence. Nine players and coaches from Brisbane and Adelaide were fined a total of $5265 for their part in an on-court fight last month. They were all required to pay only $585 each which is significantly less than what the Wildcats have been fined.