The coach of the Phoenix Suns was suspended for intimidating players.
After being removed from his position as head coach due to several allegations of bullying, Shane Heal filed a lawsuit against the Sydney Flames.
Heal, who has been noticeably absent from the WNBL since January, filed a request for sanctions and orders prohibiting his firing from the Flames in Federal Court last week.
Early in January, a number of players came to the Flames with accusations about Heal’s bullying. The team decided to conduct its own independent inquiry and suspended the head coach during this time.
After learning the findings of this investigation, the Flames sent the former international player Heal a show cause notice with the possibility of his dismissal.
Heal claims in his case that the club violated labor rules when it suspended him, ordered him to stay away from work, and found him guilty of misconduct on February 3.
Paul Smith, the owner of the Sydney Flames, and Victoria Denholm, the president, are both accused of being complicit in these violations.
“The Sydney Flames maintain the current legal proceedings instigated by Mr Heal are simply an effort to delay or block the Sydney Flames from bringing its current process to a conclusion,” the organization stated.
“The welfare and safety of the players are the key concerns here. Right now, that is our one worry, and we will never lose sight of it.
“The Sydney Flames will vigorously and fully defend Mr. Heal’s court proceedings because they see no merit in his current legal maneuvers.”
On February 1, Heal’s daughter Shyla Heal was also cut from the Flames for “personal reasons” following three games of absence.
The Flames stated at the time, “The club has cleared the way for Shyla to seek other playing opportunities.”
“The Flames would like to thank Shyla for her contribution to our club over the past two seasons and wish her all the best in her future endeavours.”
She will play for Townsville Fire for the rest of the season.
The Federal Court will next hear her father’s case on February 15.
