Statement by the NBL and South East Melbourne Phoenix

Mitch Creek has not trained or played with South East Melbourne Phoenix since he was charged by Victoria Police on March 15. Today his lawyers were informed that his preliminary hearing, scheduled for this Thursday, has been adjourned and rescheduled to be heard later next month after he notified the court he would be contesting all charges.

With the legal process underway and confirmation by Basketball Australia’s Integrity Unit that a hearing panel into its investigation will not be convened prior to the matter being heard by the courts, the NBL, the Australian Basketball Players’ Association and South East Melbourne have agreed that Mitch Creek can resume active team duties and that he will be available to play in Thursday night’s game against the Illawarra Hawks.

The decision to allow him to play is not an indication to his guilt or innocence in relation to the criminal investigation being undertaken by Victoria Police, which the NBL and South East Melbourne are treating extremely seriously.

Mitch Creek will relinquish his co-captaincy of the team and will not participate in any community activities with the Club until the matter has been determined by the courts.

The NBL and South East Melbourne will continue to review the matter and will take into consideration any decisions or directions made by the courts.

As this matter is now before the courts, the NBL and South East Melbourne will be making no further comment.