Breakers centre Freddie Gillespie will miss the opening game of the new season after being given a one-game suspension by the NBL game review panel for headbutting.
Gillespie struck Sydney Kings player Shaun Bruce late in Friday night’s match at the pre-season Blitz on the Gold Coast.
The NBL determined the incident was "intentional medium impact and high contact", resulting in a two-game suspension, reduced to one game with an early guilty plea.
The Breakers and Gillespie accepted the decision and submitted an early guilty plea.
The club said Gillespie had expressed deep remorse for his actions, recognising the impact on both the club and the league.
“Freddie has owned his actions and shown genuine remorse, and we support him as he moves forward from this,” Breakers chief executive Lisa Edser said.
Breakers centre Freddie Gillespie in hot water after headbutt in pre-season defeat
The American import faces likely suspension, after his exchange with Sydney captain Shaun Bruce.
Sport
Sat, Sep 14
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“The club accepts the suspension as a fair outcome, and we are focused on moving on in a positive manner. We are committed to making the 2024/25 season one of growth, unity, and success both on and off the court.”
The NBL25 season begins at HoopsFest in Perth with the Breakers’ first game this Saturday against the Brisbane Bullets, with free-to-air live coverage on TVNZ+.
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