Fresh twist after rivalry ‘explodes’

On Monday, the NBL confirmed it had launched an investigation after South East Melbourne Phoenix and Melbourne United each lodged a complaint with the league about “off-court conduct” in Throwdown XIII.

Concerns arose after United’s court announcer Wayne Peterson directed what some fans interpreted as a racially insensitive comment at Qi during the third quarter of the Phoenix’s 94-86 win.

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The comment came after Qi missed two free-throw attempts, gifting each member of the John Cain Arena crowd a Hungry Jack’s burger as part of a promotional deal with the NBL’s primary sponsor.

In broadcast footage of the game, Peterson, whom the NBL has previously fined and suspended for comments made on the mic, said non-native English-speaker Qi “probably doesn’t understand” why the home crowd cheered when he missed the shots.

Peterson’s comment came under immediate scrutiny.

“Come on, Wayne,” said ESPN commentator and Melbourne Tigers legend Lanard Copeland.

The Phoenix confirmed to News Corp that a complaint had been lodged with the NBL, and on Monday evening, United released a lengthy statement addressing that complaint.

“Peterson acknowledges that the statement was inappropriate. The club has full confidence that Peterson had no intention of insulting Zhou,” a club spokesman wrote.

“Peterson has reached out to offer his unreserved apology to Zhou Qi directly. He would also like to apologise to any other party who took offence.”

By mutual agreement with United, Peterson will miss the club’s next two home games, to be played against the Sydney Kings and New Zealand Breakers this Thursday and Sunday, respectively.

“Peterson will use this time for reflection and further education, and will be more considered with his comments in the future,” the club said.

“The club will continue to uphold a strong culture of diversity and inclusiveness and have committed to increase club-wide education about multiculturalism and acceptance.”

Peterson was alleged to have targeted Phoenix players off-mic throughout Throwdown XIII but South East Melbourne would not confirm reports that one of the club’s stars, Devin Thomas, fired a comment back at him.

Melbourne United did not confirm whether its complaint related to Thomas but said it was assisting the NBL in its investigations.

“The NBL’s investigation into the incident is still ongoing and Melbourne United will continue to support the league with their enquiry,” the club said.

United screens an anti-racism video before each of its home games and last season played its inaugural ‘Multicultural Game’, designed to celebrate the “many cultures and backgrounds within our basketball club”.

The NBL will release further comment on the complaints once its investigations have been finalised.

Throwdown XIII was the most acrimonious game of the NBL season to date.

Mason Peatling’s pre-match prediction that the encounter would be a physical one came true – the United big man knocked Phoenix star Mitch Creek to the floor as he celebrated a dunk and a scuffle ensued.

After the melee subsided, Creek received a technical foul for taunting and Peatling was ejected from the contest.

The NBL’s Game Review Panel is investigating the scuffle and will release its findings in the coming days.

Creek conceded his flamboyant celebration “may not have been the most professional” but insisted that Peatling was in the wrong.

“If you take the basketball away from it, it was an inappropriate play and something we won’t stand for as a club,” he told SEN.

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