The WNBL has been hit by a scandal with UC Capitals coach Paul Goriss and referee Simon Cosier banned from the sport for an integrity breach.
Goriss - who is also an Australian Opals assistant coach - and WNBL official Cosier were found guilty of engaging in prohibited conduct under Basketball Australia’s National Framework for Ethical Behaviour and Integrity in Basketball.
Referee Cosier provided Goriss with confidential video footage of Sydney Uni Flames' training scrimmage, that was only supposed to be used for referee education purposes.
Basketball Australia decided that the duo had 'misused inside information and engaged in conduct that would impair public confidence in the integrity and good character of basketball and its participants'.
Goriss has been banned from coaching the UC Capitals for five matches and isn't allowed to resume his role, or do any coaching work for the Opals until January 20, 2022.
While Cosier was hit with a more severe punishment, with the official suspended from all refereeing for the entirety of the WNBL season.
"This incident was immediately referred to the Integrity Unit who undertook a full investigation and referred the matter to an Independent Hearing Panel," Basketball Australia chairman John Carey said.
"We will not tolerate this behaviour in basketball. It is unprofessional and extremely disappointing at any level of the game."
Both Goriss and Cosier will begin their bans immediately and have 14 days to appeal the decision from Basketball Australia.
