No discipline results from complaints about Lightning language

NBL Canada said there is no absolute proof to substantiate accusations of swearing and slurs by visiting players

The deputy commissioner of the National Basketball of League of Canada said he has investigated complaints made by Mile One Centre fans over what they saw as inappropriate behavior and language by London Lightning players during Saturday’s playoff game against the St. John’s Edge, but there has been no disciplinary action taken — Audley Stephenson says he simply couldn’t substantiate the accusations.

At least two fans complained of foul language and homophobic slurs originating from the Lightning bench during Game 3 of the Central Division final.

“The league always takes these matters seriously,” said Stephenson Monday. “When we received (the) e-mails, we immediately initiated an investigation to determine what happened, but while we are aware there was an exchange (between fans and London players), there was no satisfactory proof as to exactly what took place or what was said.”

Stephenson said the investigation involved getting statements from, among others, referees, Mile One security, Lightning head coach Keith Vassel and the team’s assistant general manager.

He said there had been a security guard working the area near the London bench, but that person was not present when the exchange was supposed to have occurred. The guard did remain in place for the remainder of the game after speaking to nearby fans who had been complaining about swearing and slurs from Lightning players, especially given the presence of young children.

“Some might think was a case of me deciding not take sides in this matter, but this just not the case,” said Stephenson. “We would need absolute proof to act and we don’t have that.

“We have fans claiming one thing and statements (from the Lightning) stating that what was supposed to have been said is not correct. What we have is a he said-she said situation.”

Stephenson said NBL Canada is always cognizant of its image and about how such incidents can affect that, but the biggest concern is always about “fan and player safety.”

Edge director of operations and assistant general manager Trevor Murphy said his team had been made aware of the accusations, but the investigation was left to the league.

While Murphy wouldn’t comment on the Lightning, he did say as far as he could determine ticket-holders situated near the London bench Saturday were “doing nothing more than cheering for our team.

“We don’t believe there was anything inappropriate done by our fans,” he said.

Murphy said the Edge — who had already decided to increase on-floor security before this playoff series — did respond to the complaints by moving fans seats away from the Lightning bench for Monday’s Game 4 and posting two dedicated security personnel in that area for the full extent of the game.