Sydney Kings owner and chairman Paul Smith has been fined and given a suspended one-game ban for his criticism of Perth's
The NBL on Wednesday announced Smith had been sanctioned $5000 - half of which is suspended - and will spend the next 12 months with the match suspension hanging over his head.
After the Kings' loss to the defending champions last week, Smith claimed Perth had used the jersey to promote the club's on-court history.
Responding to a tweet by the NBL, Smith said Perth were "using the guise of indiginous (sic) cultural engagement and reconciliation to promote 9 championships, 33 finals appearances and a heavy travel schedule on a singlet".
The Wildcats later condemned the comments over the jersey as offensive and disrespectful, prompting the NBL to investigate the matter.
Sydney Kings chairman Paul Smith has been fined over his comments. Source: AAP
The jersey was designed by Indigenous performer Dr Richard Walley.
"The Perth Wildcats are appalled by the ignorant statements made via Twitter regarding its Indigenous Round uniform design," Perth said in a statement.
"The Wildcats believe the comments have unfortunately tainted the inaugural NBL Indigenous Round, in what has otherwise been a significant step forward in the journey of reconciliation for clubs and fans."
Dr Richard Walley OAM and the Sunrise Dancers from the Sunshine Coast perform a welcome to country for the Indigenous Round 10 Super Netball match. Source: AAP
The NBL ruled Smith's tweets had breached the league's code of conduct, however the Kings owner has until next Tuesday to appeal the decision.
