WBA bans Reid for 10 years

Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau:

Dwight Reid of Hopewell Vipers was on Tuesday night slapped with a 10-year ban by the disciplinary committee of Western Basketball Association (WBA) for an incident in which he verbally abused and then doused a match official with the contents of a cup, from which he was drinking.

Reid, who was also hit with a $13,000 fine, must serve five years away from the game, while the second five years is suspended, pending good behaviour on his part. The disciplinary committee also recommended that he seeks anger management assistance.

"During the period of his suspension, Mr Reid will not be allowed to participate in any WBA-sanctioned matches," said WBA boss Donalda Reid. "The WBA also made the offer of professional counselling to Reid, to help with anger management."

Interestingly, this is not the first time Reid has gotten into trouble with the WBA. In the 2008 season, he was banned for one year for being abusive to a match official.

Reid's teammate Kirk Wright, who was found guilty of misconduct during a brawl that followed Reid's transgressions, was suspended for six games and fined $3,000. Chris Bowen, who was also summoned for his involvement in the brawl, was found not guilty of any infraction and escaped punishment.

Penalised for brawls

The Vipers organisation was also penalised for not exerting enough control over their errant players, and known supporters of the team, who became involved in the brawl.

The incident took place on Saturday, August 14, during game three of the best-of-three 2010 Lucozade Men's Championship between Vipers and Sav Hawks at the Montego Bay Bay Cricket Club Courts. Hawks emerged winners in a 65-45 scoreline.

With just seconds to go in the game, Reid was ejected by match official Deon Williams for an on-court breach. Reid subsequently went outside the playing area and, after pelting Williams with insults and expletives, he doused him with a beverage he was drinking, splashing a reporter/photographer who was standing close by, as well.

Williams reacted to Reid's aggression and an ugly brawl followed. Bottles were thrown and several fistfights erupted as spectators rushed to Williams' defence, and Reid's teammates joined him in his disruptive behaviour.