Basketball: Donewald on misconduct charge

THE BASKETBALL authorities will focus on Moorways in Derby tonight, where the Storm's volatile coach, Bob Donewald, will be under pressure to behave after an extraordinary week even by the American coach's disciplinary standards.

Just four days ago he was banned for two games and fined pounds 300 after his latest appearance before the disciplinary committee, on his 29th birthday. Now, Donewald has been charged with misconduct following a report by the commissioner, Malcolm Heath, about his antics at Derby's Budweiser League victory over Birmingham Bullets at Moorways last Saturday.

Uniquely for basketball, however, and of most concern for the League and English Basketball Association is that the police are now involved after complaints by Birmingham fans about Donewald's actions. A police officer was called to the arena on Saturday and three Birmingham supporters have made complaints to Derby police.

On Tuesday Donewald was dealt with for abusing the officials at Derby's game with Greater London Leopards, after he had been fined another pounds 300 earlier in the season for criticising officials after the defeat at Thames Valley Tigers.

Donewald may find it hard to be on his best behaviour tonight against a team he loves to beat, as third-placed Derby face second-placed Manchester Giants.

London Towers confirmed the worst kept secret of transfer deadline week yesterday by signing the American guard-forward Randy Duck to replace fellow American Eric Kubel. Duck was due to make his debut at Newcastle Eagles last night.

Two other new signings make debuts tonight: Justin Phoenix plays for Birmingham at Leopards and 7ft 2in Adam McCanna for Worthing Bears at home to Chester Jets. The Bears have not won since beating Chester on 3 October - 24 games ago.