South East Melbourne Phoenix star Mitch Creek has been stood down from the NBL and charged over alleged assault offences.
Creek, 28, allegedly assaulted a woman at her Melbourne home last year, but has denied all charges.
The Phoenix co-captain has been stood down from training and playing after Basketball Australia’s Integrity Unit undertook a preliminary investigation.
The NBL and Phoenix issued a joint statement:
“The NBL and South East Melbourne Phoenix are aware that Victoria Police have laid charges against Mitch Creek in respect of alleged assault offences.
“The NBL and South East Melbourne Phoenix are deeply concerned by the nature of the charges against Mitch Creek and take this matter extremely seriously.
“The NBL and South East Melbourne Phoenix have held urgent discussions with the Australian Basketball Players’ Association and Basketball Australia’s Integrity Unit in respect of the allegations.
“The NBL and South East Melbourne Phoenix also understand that Mitch Creek denies each of the charges and will deal with the matter appropriately through the court process.
“As the body responsible for enforcing the national integrity framework which covers NBL players, Basketball Australia’s Integrity Unit has undertaken a preliminary investigation into the matter.
“The NBL, South East Melbourne Phoenix and Mitch Creek have all agreed that he will not train or play with the Club until further notice.
“As the matter is before the courts, the NBL and South East Melbourne Phoenix will not make any further comment for now.”