The NBL has stood down South East Melbourne Phoenix co-captain Mitch Creek after he was charged with allegedly assaulting a woman last year.
Creek, who previously played in the NBA with the Brooklyn Nets and Minnesota Timberwolves between 2018-2019, will not train or play with his NBL club until further notice by the league.
The charges date back to an incident last November following a fourth-month investigation by police after a woman in her twenties suffered serious facial injuries, according to The Age.
The 28-year-old has been charged with intentionally causing injury, recklessly causing injury and unlawful assault.
Basketball Australia is also investigating the matter, potentially impacting the former NBA player's hopes of featuring for the Boomers at this year's Tokyo Olympics. Creek was one of 24 players named in the Boomers squad.
The NBL issued a joint statement with the South East Melbourne Phoenix that said: "The NBL and South East Melbourne Phoenix are aware that Victoria Police have laid charges against Mitch Creek in respect of alleged assault offences.
"The NBL and South East Melbourne Phoenix are deeply concerned by the nature of the charges against Mitch Creek and take this matter extremely seriously.
"The NBL and South East Melbourne Phoenix have held urgent discussions with the Australian Basketball Players' Association and Basketball Australia's Integrity Unit in respect of the allegations.
"The NBL and South East Melbourne Phoenix also understand that Mitch Creek denies each of the charges and will deal with the matter appropriately through the court process.
"As the body responsible for enforcing the national integrity framework which covers NBL players, Basketball Australia's Integrity Unit has undertaken a preliminary investigation into the matter.
"The NBL, South East Melbourne Phoenix and Mitch Creek have all agreed that he will not train or play with the Club until further notice.
"As the matter is before the courts, the NBL and South East Melbourne Phoenix will not make any further comment for now."
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