Star may get title lift after Tralee registration error
BELFAST Star’s hopes of landing the All-Ireland Superleague crown for the first time in 20 years may be about to receive a surprise boost after big rivals Tralee Warriors were found to have played an ineligible player.
Tralee and Star sit joint top of the Superleague with seven games remaining, while Eanna are just three points behind in one of the tightest title battles in years.
But Tralee have been rocked after failing to properly register American Andre Berry, who replaced compatriot Keith Jumper.
Berry played in three games while not registered — including the defeat to Star just before Christmas.
Tralee are expected to appeal the findings but should the decision be upheld, the defending Superleague champions are expected to be docked six points.
A statement from Basketball Ireland’s Men’s National Competitions Committee stated: “The MNCC (Men’s National Competitions Committee) at Basketball Ireland met to review the registration of a Garvey’s Tralee Warriors player and decided that the player was not registered with Basketball Ireland for three Super League games.
“Thus, the MNCC has decided to implement the penalties as outlined in the rulebook.
“As Garvey’s Tralee Warriors have the right to appeal this decision through the normal appeals procedure, the MNCC or Basketball Ireland will be making no further comment on this matter.”
It is unclear just how long the appeal process will take.
Meanwhile, Star’s Under-18 side will this week play in the All-Ireland Cup final.