Sports stats

The State of the ABA

by Chris Munson
January 14, 2008 - American Basketball Association (ABA)


As has been chronicled on this site and in other media outlets as well, the ABA continues to have its problems, the latest being Saturday's brawl between the Manchester Millrats and the Vermont Frost Heaves at Burlington's Memorial Auditorium.

This is the latest in a series of issues plaguing the league, ranging from the demise of several teams this season to players being housed in what was described as a "brothel" during a road trip to Singapore.

In Saturday's contest, won by the Frost Heaves 109-99 in front of an announced crowd of 1,100, there were three separate altercations and two ejections, and the game finally was called by the officials after Manchester's Ife Anosike sucker punched Vermont's Erik Nelson after yet another altercation. To the credit of the Manchester organization, Anosike was released by the team and was later handed a ten game suspension by ABA Vice President of Operations Brad Hester. Manchester General Manager Ian McCarthy stated that he believes Nelson should be suspended by the league for his actions, but according to Hester, Nelson will not be punished. In a press release Hester said Vermont's Dwayne Lee will serve a one game suspension. Along with the ten game ban handed down to Anosike, Manchester's Ismael Caro was served a three game suspension, and he was subsequently released.

Applause goes out to Brad Hester for reviewing the video of the game and quickly handing down sanctions. This is a far cry from what ABA CEO Joe Newman wanted to do and that is to have both teams handle the problem themselves. This is a league issue and not one that should have been dealt with solely by the Frost Heaves and the Millrats. This is another example of Newman trying to deflect responsibility from the league for its countless issues.

Hester has made a positive step in issuing suspensions and punishments for the actions that took place on Saturday and this should set a precedent for the future. With the countless issues that have gone on in the league, Hester should be allowed to step in without interference and take action where needed. This includes dealing with teams who cancel games, fail to pay players, and the list goes on. There has to be some sort of control in a league that is failing right now and the responsibility to act is something Newman seems to want to pass on to others. If quick action is taken on future league issues, the ABA stands a small chance of survival. Without it, the league will not be around much longer.

-----

Chris Munson is a freelance writer and former broadcaster based in Burlington, Vermont.

Note: OurSports Central no longer actively covers the American Basketball Association (ABA) as a professional league due in part to its inability to publish and play a schedule and the transitory nature of many of its teams. For information on professional minor leagues, please see OSC's basketball section.



American Basketball Association Stories from January 14, 2008


The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.


Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central