Bogut’s signing stalled by NBL
THE Sydney Kings have been forced to delay confirmation of Andrew Bogut’s landmark deal after defying NBL protocol by announcing the contract before gaining league approval.
As per standard procedure in most Australian professional sports, clubs require authorisation from the league before they can make a formal declaration on a player signing.
But in a bid to avoid the Bogut news being leaked, the Kings announced the move on the club’s twitter account on Sunday night.
Sydney officials also sent out a group email confirming the former NBA big man’s looming signing at 8pm on Sunday night.
These moves proved problematic as the contract still required NBL clearance to become official.
Bogut’s signed and agreed multi- year deal was lodged with the NBL on Sunday night and was set to be confirmed by the Kings yesterday morning.
However, the NBL told all parties no contract can be ratified until head office provided a clearance on the deal’s conditions and the salary cap.
Despite this delay, the Bogut deal is set to be given the green light in the coming days.
Sydney officials tweeted a short statement yesterday.
“In line with player contracting procedures, the Sydney Kings have submitted to NBL head office appropriate paperwork for Andrew Bogut for review and processing.
“The Kings will make no further comment but will provide an update in due course.”
The NBL also tweeted it had received Sydney’s contract for Bogut and was following the com- petition’s formal process before giving the deal the green light.
Bogut’s deal is a major coup for Sydney and the resurgent NBL competition.
His signature is what the Kings need after finishing seventh last season with 11 wins from 28 games costing them a trip to the finals for the fifth consecutive year.
Bogut also held “preliminary discussions” with Melbourne, who were keen to lure the ex-NBA big man home.
United CEO Vince Crivelli confirmed the talks, but said the club had no hard feelings towards Bogut for deciding to join Sydney.
“There were no issues – Andrew just made a decision to play with Sydney,” Crivelli said.
“He is happy with that and we are happy with that.”
“I think it is good for Sydney and the league.
“We couldn’t be happier for Andrew and the Kings and we look forward to competing with him.”
Bogut’s Sydney deal is expected to be approved by the NBL in the coming days, opening the door for the Kings to hold a press conference.