JackJumpers bans member following crowd behavior probe.
The Tasmania JackJumpers would want to restate its zero-tolerance policy for rowdy and disrespectful behaviour at NBL games.
Following an investigation by the JackJumpers and the NBL into a series of incidents during the Round 7 game at the Launceston Silverdome, the Tasmania JackJumpers revoked an individual adult’s membership this morning and will extend the ban to prevent them from becoming a member again.
A specific incident was uncovered in which a handclapper was purposely thrown at the New Zealand Breakers’ bench and team huddle late in the game.
A group of persons were spoken to on Friday night, and following investigations identified one individual offender using camera footage, who has now been notified of the consequences.
“The JackJumpers have no hesitation in taking action in such circumstances as this behaviour is unacceptable at any level of sport and reflects poorly on the JackJumpers, the NBL and the wider Tasmanian basketball community” Simon Brook house, the company’s CEO, stated.
The JackJumpers will not accept any hostile or unsportsmanlike behaviour, and consider that this occurrence exemplifies such behaviour and violates the membership terms and conditions.
“It completely goes against our humble and inclusive values that are and have been so integral to the success of the club both on and off the court” Brookhouse said in a statement.
The vast majority of the ant army is incredible – passionate and loyal, but courteous of all other supporters, particularly the players and officials.
“The individual is deeply regretful and embarrassed, and he has accepted the suspension without question.
“We hope it can serve as a learning for all fans and we don’t have to go through this process again” Brookhouse said in a statement.
The JackJumpers would like to applaud a lot of young supporters for taking the initiative to apologize to the New Zealand players, and we would also like to apologize to the Breakers for this terrible incident.
The Tasmania JackJumpers look forward to hosting New Zealand again on Boxing Day, December 26 at MyState Bank Arena, as well as returning to Launceston in Round 16 on January 18.
