Mandurah Magic guard Aron Lopez was dealt a nine-month suspension from the State Basketball League tribunal last night after he was found guilty following an altercation outside of the Ray Owen Sports Centre on Friday night.
After a lengthy hearing, Lopez was found guilty on three separate charges of attempting to strike a player/official, acting in an unsportsmanlike manner and disputing decisions.
A report on the State Basketball League website said a number of witnesses fronted the tribunal.
“The tribunal heard evidence from a number of witnesses … in regards to an altercation outside of the stadium following the game,” the report read.
“Lopez is now suspended from all BWA (Basketball WA) affiliated basketball activities until April 20, 2017.”
Lopez was one of three Mandurah Magic players to be handed sanctions from the State Basketball League following a fiery Friday night against Kalamunda, with Adijat Adams and Tom Remmerswaal also receiving punishments.
Adams, a star and cornerstone of the Magic’s women’s team, was dealt a ban after a physical altercation erupted between her and Kalamunda star Carley Mijovic.
Both players were suspended for two weeks which equates to three games for Adams and two games for Mijovic.
Adams’ suspension comes at a horrendous time for her side, who are in the midst of a battle for a finals spot.
Remmerswaal was handed a one-week ban that was suspended for 12 months, meaning he will not miss any basketball, after he was found guilty of using obscene/abusive language and acting in an unsportsmanlike manner.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
