Basketball: American cries foul on refs and quits

By PETER JESSUP

Import Matt Barnett dropped a bombshell on the Auckland National Basketball League team yesterday when he said he had had enough of the refereeing in New Zealand, packed his bags and flew home to the United States.

Auckland, the defending champions, were shocked by his departure and made a hurried call to veteran Kenny Stone, who had helped them in three games this season when injury and Tall Black duties left them short.

It was unclear yesterday whether the 35-year-old Stone will come to their rescue for the final series, with Auckland facing North Harbour in a sudden-death semifinal at the North Shore Events Centre on Friday.

Barnett, a high-scoring centre from Utah, played well throughout the season but struggled with attitude both on and off the court.

He found it hard to cope with refereeing interpretations and was heavily penalised for overly physical play, as many American imports are.

After Auckland thrashed Wellington on Saturday, Barnett, his game shortened after five fouls, did not associate with the team other than to express his displeasure with the whistlers.

He rang coach Tab Baldwin yesterday to say he was not sticking around and by mid-afternoon was on the plane home.

"He described his situation as one of mental anguish," Baldwin said, detailing Barnett's problems in dealing with the officials' calls and a nagging leg injury.

"The team had a good win on Saturday and he didn't enjoy it one bit."

The Auckland managment had some sympathy with his concerns about the extra attention any physically inclined player in the league attracts, but the team were feeling disappointed and let down.

"It doesn't help our championship chances," Baldwin said, "but if he doesn't want to be here, there's not much point.

"We think it's poor form, but we're powerless to do anything about it."

Barnett was not much of a socialiser and had little to do with the team in his four months here. It will be interesting to see where he turns up next on court and how soon.

Auckland guard Hayden Smyth will have the cast on his broken wrist removed tomorrow, but after four weeks out will be short of match fitness and might only be called on in short bursts in Friday's game

His chances of a start may be linked to how well Prem Krishna continues to recover from a knee strain.