Basketball: NBL players betting probe

The National Basketball League is investigating claims that players have bet on their own teams to lose matches.

NBL general manager Richard Stokes said the league was in the preliminary stages of an inquiry into alleged bets.

He would not reveal which teams or games the NBL is investigating.

But the sports betting manager for the TAB, Neil Sorensen said his organisation had checked betting patterns on certain matches.

The check has "found no reason to suggest anything untoward."

Waikato coach Jeff Green dismissed any suggestions that his side might have been involved in betting on the outcome of Warriors' games.

"It's something the players often joke about if they lose a game. But I can certainly deny any involvement by the Warriors - if such a thing has happened," Green said.

Sorensen examined the betting records on some matches and said there were no unusual patterns to be found.

Rumours which sparked the NBL inquiry have been rife in basketball circles lately that players have been winning between $3000 to $5000 on bets against their own sides when their team were warm favourites to win.

However, Sorensen said the betting pool for most NBL matches was normally only a few thousand dollars.

"There were only two bets of over $500 on two matches [Nelson's 93-102 loss to Otago and Palmerston North Jets' 105-102 victory over Waikato], both on the favourites [Nelson and Waikato] and therefore both losing wagers," he said.

The NBL code of conduct says betting by players on matches they are involved in is forbidden.

Stokes said: "If the allegations are proven, we'd call together a judicial committee that has the power to fine or suspend players if found guilty."

- NZPA