Basketball Player Banned For A Year After Reacting To Coach’s Tripping Incident
Hibernians basketball player Derek Brown has been handed a one-year suspension after publicly accusing officials of corruption following his team’s Knockout Final loss, where he was tripped by Starlites coach Paul Ferrante who was given a one-month suspension for his actions.
As reported by SportsDesk, the Malta Basketball Association (MBA) Disciplinary Commissioner ruled on Friday that Brown had made serious allegations against match officials and the governing body.
Meanwhile, Ferrante, who was caught on camera tripping Brown, has been banned from all MBA activities activities until 31st March.
The controversy erupted after Starlites won the final 75-74, with footage of Ferrante’s unsportsmanlike act quickly going viral.
Brown later took to social media, voicing his frustration and criticising officials, but has since issued a public apology, claiming he had acted in the heat of the moment.
Despite his apology, the MBA ruled that Brown’s accusations of corruption were serious enough to warrant a year-long suspension, along with a three-match ban for his comments on the association.
Ferrante, on the other hand, admitted to misconduct and apologised, accepting the month-long ban that prohibits him from attending any MBA event or venue during his suspension.
Both suspensions are subject to appeal according to MBA regulations.
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