Racial slur defence behind NBL tribunal postponement

The Adelaide 36ers have retained a lawyer who specialises in "racially based, derogatory or offensive language issues" to defend star imports Montrezl Harrell and Kendric Davis in their NBL tribunal hearing.

Harrell and Davis are facing lengthy bans over their roles in the ugly scenes that marred last Sunday's wild clash between the Sixers and Melbourne United at John Cain Arena.

Among the most serious charges levelled at the pair was "inappropriate grabbing or handling of a spectator", which warrants a suspension of up to 10 games.

Since the incident, it has emerged that an alleged racial slur made by a fan against Davis was at the centre of the fracas between Sixers players and courtside spectators.

Harrell and Davis were due to front a single-member tribunal on Friday, but the league approved a club request to postpone the hearing until Monday.

It is understood the Sixers' desire to put in place the best possible legal representation was the reason behind the request, and the club confirmed the appointment in a brief statement on Friday.

No games will be affected in the meantime, with the league on hold this week during the FIBA International break.

"Over the past week the Adelaide 36ers have focused on supporting Kendric Davis and Montrezl Harrell, both practically and emotionally, in relation to the charges against them at Monday's tribunal hearing," the club statement said.

"The club has retained highly experienced counsel, James McLeod, to represent both players.

"James has extensive experience in sports law, including in relation to racially based, derogatory or offensive language issues.

"The club and the players will not make any further comment until the conclusion of this process."

The United-Sixers clash exploded during the final quarter when a back-and-forth between Harrell and United's Rob Loe attracted teammates and eventually fans.

The situation escalated further when the Sixers returned to the bench and became embroiled in a war of words with courtside spectators, which quickly became physical.

Four spectators, including one season ticket-holder, were ejected from the venue.

The league is yet to announce a resolution to its investigation into the spectators' behaviour.

Adelaide coach Mike Wells defended his players in his post-match press conference and revealed Harrell had explained his actions to teammates, but declined to provide further details.

Harrell took to social media on Sunday night and blamed a spectator for the incident escalating.

"But I'm the bad guy right I literally try calm down but then mf want try the tuff (stuff). So now I'm riding for my team sorry not sorry," Harrell posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Tennis player Nick Kyrgios - a part-owner of NBL team South East Melbourne Phoenix - replied with a message of support for Harrell.

"Spectators should sit down and shut up and clap that's about it trezz I'm with you," Kyrgios posted.

Former NBA sixth man of the year Harrell was also charged with two counts of striking and engaging in a melee over his role in the on-court action.

Harrell and Melbourne guard Shea Ili were ejected from the game after the scuffle between the teams.

Ili and United assistant coach David Barlow were both fined for their roles in the incident.

Speaking after the game, Melbourne head coach Dean Vickerman said he was content with his players' actions and expressed disappointment about spectators getting involved with players.