PERTH Wildcats power forward Matt Knight is free to play in the opening game of the 2017 NBL Grand Final Series on Sunday.
Cited for unduly rough play on Cairns Taipans guard Travis Trice by the NBL Game Review Panel, Knight pleaded guilty to the charge and was handed a two-game sentence suspended until the end of the 2017-18 season, plus a $1000 fine.
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The penalty was delivered by Independent Tribunal chairman Tony Nolan QC, who took into consideration Knight’s guilty plea in delivering his verdict.
Knight and his council conceded that the conduct was “stupid”.
Mr Nolan said the case was exceptional and ordinarily a suspension would have been imposed for a charge involving intentional behaviour.
The Wildcats issued a statement to say they were “pleased” to have Knight available for Sunday’s clash and “look forward to finding out” who their grand final opponent will be.