Monrovia – The Liberia Basketball Association (LBA) has suspended player Mirelle Hne and Coach Varney Williams of the Commissioners Women’s team for two seasons. According to a release from the LBA, this action is based on a recommendation from the Technical Committee, headed by Mr. Benedict Sayeh.
By: Christopher C Walker [email protected] 0777898224/0886723075
In his match report of July 7, 2024, covering the game between the Invincible Eleven Women’s team and the Commissioners Women’s team in Phase-2 of the 2024 League Season, Mr. Sayeh recommended serious action against the Commissioners’ players and technical staff due to their behavior following the match. Based on the report and the severity of the actions described, Calvin Diggs, Secretary General of the Liberia Basketball Association, announced the suspensions on July 19, 2024, in accordance with the LBA Constitution.
Player Mireille Hne (#15) has been suspended in accordance with Article VII, Section 8 of the LBA Constitution, which includes a ban from games and practices, for her physical assault on referee Mr. Thomas Hayward.
Coach Varney Williams of the Commissioners Female Team has been suspended for one season for his threatening remarks and unsportsmanlike conduct toward Mr. Hayward and the officiating crew. His suspension is in accordance with Article VIII, Section 7 of the LBA Constitution.
Additionally, the Physio of the Commissioners Female Team has been suspended for one season for disruptive behavior, in accordance with Article VIII, Section 7 of the LBA Constitution.
Mr. Victor Hne, who threatened Mr. Hayward, has been suspended indefinitely from all LBA activities pending the outcome of a formal hearing by the Grievance Committee.
The LBA Secretary General stated that these actions are necessary to maintain the integrity and safety of the LBA league, adding that the institution will not tolerate any form of violence, threats, or disrespect toward officials and staff. Mr. Diggs emphasized that the individuals have the right to appeal to the Grievance and Ethics Committee by submitting a formal request.
In Other Basketball News:
The Bushord Bulls returned to winning ways following an awful performance against Mighty Barrolle in their previous match last weekend. The Bulls managed a 5-point margin win over Invincible Eleven on Saturday, July 20, at SKD Gym, ending the match with a score of 70-65.
Saturday’s victory is the Bulls’ second in three matches in Phase-2 of the 2024 National Basketball Championship Division-One. Coach Erik Cooper’s team saw their first win over Cestos Mongars in this phase of the league, but fell to Barrolle in game two before securing a comfortable win over IE. The Bulls are the third-best performing club in the league for the last two seasons. Their only defeats this season came in their three meetings against the league champions, Barrolle.
In the 2nd Division on Saturday, the Highway Kings defeated the Royal Legends with a score of 58-22.
