Basketball: Williams backed by union

Richard Taylor
Tuesday 09 February 1999 00:02 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

YORICK WILLIAMS drew support from fellow players yesterday, as the Basketball League and English Basketball Association announced their commission of inquiry into the abandoned game between his club, Derby Storm, and Chester Jets on 31 January.

The England international has been suspended by Derby pending the result of the commission, but the Basketball Players' Association chief executive, Mark Robinson, said: "We demand that Yorick is reinstated by Derby.

"Until the League and the Association set down the punishments for all of the players and coaches involved in the incident at Chester, Yorick should be cleared to play on.

"Unlike the others involved, Yorick is being punished ahead of the decision."

The incident began with a fight between Williams and Chester's Shawn Hartley, then re-started in a melee involving all the players. The Jets physio, Alison Troughton, suffered a dislocated jaw.

At the weekend, the England coach, Laszlo Nemeth, also pleaded for Williams not to be pre-judged, saying: "Everyone is entitled to a fair hearing."

The commission will meet on Sunday and hope to announce a decision the following day.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in