Blazing Scandal

BEST Blazers Coach Riley North has been accused of training and coaching his players using National Basketball Association (NBA) rules by an unnamed player within the BEST Basketball League (BBL). 

BBL President Hayden Forbes refused to comment on if International Basketball Federation (FIBA) or NBA rules were listed in official league documentation but did confirm the league was investigating allegations of misconduct by the BEST Blazers Coach. 

Mr North defended his coaching style and argued that use of a combination of NBA and FIBA rules is always how the league has operated. 

“The BBL is an all-abilities league and historically we’ve always just used both styles of rules to accommodate everyone” he said. 

An unnamed source disagrees, stating it was difficult to train effectively without a clear rule set. 

“It’s been confusing for a lot of players during training”, the anonymous source said. 

“I don’t think it’s fair that different teams play by different rules even though we’re in the same league”.

Greenbank Gladiators Coach and BBL Founder Chris Stan denies accusations he was the person to initially identify the NBA play style to the unnamed player.

“Yes, [the player] came to me and yes [the player] told me there was some American style teaching, but as a coach I referred him on to the BBL League President Mr Forbes” Mr Stan said. 

Former BEST Blazers player and current Acting Assistant Coach Zach M has acknowledged that the alleged misconduct of Mr North is a large part of his reason to not renew his contract with the BEST Blazers at the end of the season.

Mr Stan also shared a lack of surprise at the accusations against Mr North, citing allegedly well known issues amongst the BEST Blazers. 

“I have heard there’s internal team culture issues, nobody even knows who the captain is”, Mr Stan said. 

“It’s just not how you run a team, is it?”

When asked to respond to comments made by the Greenbank Gladiators Coach, Mr North stated he felt confident with his team’s performance.

“Everyone has their opinions - but ask [Mr Stan] which team has more wins” he said.