Maor Disputes "Bully" Claims

New Zealand coach Mody Maor has voiced his frustration at other coaches complaining about referring, suggesting the officials are being swayed.

His comments come off the back of New Zealand’s loss to Perth on Tuesday night and while he stated the referees didn’t influence the outcome of the match, he also said parts of the game just don’t add up.

“For me, in a game like this, it doesn’t make sense that a player like Dererk Pardon shoots four free throws. It doesn’t make sense to me that a player like Jarrell Brantley shoots zero free throws,” Maor said.

“It doesn’t make sense to me, the disparity with free throw rate is 24 to 14. I have no problem with the fouls that were called against us. We play aggressive and physical and it’s part of my job as a coach to get us to defend without fouling.”

Maor said up until this point of the season, he’s made a concerted effort to avoid commenting about refereeing, but now feels his hand has been somewhat forced.

He also lashed out at claims the Breakers are a dirty team. Earlier this season Sydney Kings coach Chase Buford compared New Zealand’s playing style to that of the All Blacks, the nation’s rugby team.

“ … this feels like a response to previous press conferences from other coaches. So I’ll fight fire with fire," Maor said.

“I have a big problem with us being perceived as a bully and for this result not receiving the foul calls we deserve.

“I’ve had consistent conversations with the referees. I know they are trying to do their best. I really avoided doing something like this in a press conference up until now.”

The suggestion officials have been in any way influenced by comments from coaches in post-match media conferences was met with a stern rebuke from the League.

“We don’t take those inferences lightly, and reject any suggestion that our referees listen to coach media comments and change the way they officiate games as a result,” NBL Chief Operating Officer Vince Crivelli said.

“We have very thorough processes in place after each and every game and our referees are subjected to extremely strict reviews. Every single call they make is scrutinised and assessed.”

New Zealand dropped from second to third on the ladder and has lost three of its last five games.