JackJumpers ban member after crowd behaviour investigation

The Tasmania JackJumpers would like to reiterate their no tolerance stance on unruly and unacceptable behaviour at NBL games.

Following an investigation by the JackJumpers and the NBL into a series of incidents in the Round 7 game at the Launceston Silverdome, the Tasmania JackJumpers have this morning revoked the membership of an individual adult and will extend the ban to prevent them from becoming a member in the future.

A particular incident was identified in which a hand-clapper was purposefully thrown towards the New Zealand Breakers’ bench and team huddle late in the game.

A group of people were spoken to on Friday night, and subsequent investigations identified an individual offender through video footage, and they have now been notified of the sanctions.

“The JackJumpers have no hesitation in taking action in such circumstances as this behaviour is unacceptable at any level of sport and reflects poorly on the JackJumpers, the NBL and the wider Tasmanian basketball community” CEO Simon Brookhouse said.

The JackJumpers will not tolerate any aggressive or unsportsmanlike behaviour, and believe this incident constitutes such behaviour and is in breach of the membership terms and conditions.

“It completely goes against our humble and inclusive values that are and have been so integral to the success of the club both on and off the court” Brookhouse said.

The vast majority of the ant army is incredible – passionate and parochial, but respectful of all other fans, and especially of the players and officials.

“The individual is very remorseful and embarrassed and has accepted the ban without question.

“We hope it can serve as a learning for all fans and we don’t have to go through this process again” Brookhouse said.

The JackJumpers would like to commend a number of young fans who took it upon themselves to apologise to the New Zealand players, and we would like to also extend our apologies to the Breakers for this unfortunate experience.

The Tasmania JackJumpers look forward to hosting New Zealand again in a Boxing Day blockbuster on December 26 at MyState Bank Arena, and also returning to Launceston in Round 16 on January 18.