Australian basketball star Mitch Creek has been charged by Victorian Police with allegedly assaulting a woman at her Melbourne home.
Creek, who is the co-captain of recent NBL expansion side South East Melbourne Phoenix, had been stood down as a result of the allegations, which he continues to deny.
In a statement released on Monday, the NBL and the Phoenix confirmed that they were aware of the charges that had been laid, with Basketball Australia’s Integrity Unit launching its own review.
“The NBL and South East Melbourne Phoenix are aware that Victoria Police have laid charges against Mitch Creek in respect of alleged assault offences," the league said in a statement.
"The NBL and South East Melbourne Phoenix are deeply concerned by the nature of the charges against Mitch Creek and take this matter extremely seriously.
"The NBL and South East Melbourne Phoenix have held urgent discussions with the Australian Basketball Players’ Association and Basketball Australia’s Integrity Unit in respect of the allegations.
"The NBL and South East Melbourne Phoenix also understand that Mitch Creek denies each of the charges and will deal with the matter appropriately through the court process.
"As the body responsible for enforcing the national integrity framework which covers NBL players, Basketball Australia’s Integrity Unit has undertaken a preliminary investigation into the matter.
"The NBL, South East Melbourne Phoenix and Mitch Creek have all agreed that he will not train or play with the Club until further notice.
"As the matter is before the courts, the NBL and South East Melbourne Phoenix will not make any further comment for now.”
Creek made his NBA debut in 2018 playing four games for the Brooklyn Nets before played one game for the Minnesota Timberwolves towards the end of that season.
He would earn selection in the Boomers preliminary Olympics squad after an MVP-calibre start to the 2020-2021 NBL season, averaging 21 points and seven rebounds.
