United star given clean slate

Cole Anthony starts every game with a clean slate, says NBL head of referees Scott Butler.

While refereeing crews scout for “highlight players” as part of their pre-game, that preparation stops short of prejudgement.

“The one thing that they (the referees) will make sure they do is ensure that every game is approached with a fresh set of eyes and a fresh lens, just to ensure that there’s no carryover from previous games,” Butler said during a recent media availability.

“It’s fine that a player or a coach shows emotion as long as they stay under control, and they don’t abuse anybody on the floor, whether it be the officials or anyone else.”

Butler, who addressed how officials manage the Melbourne star amid attention on his emotional outbursts and technical fouls this season, reiterated emotion is part of the game but the line is drawn at “control” and he’s given United coach Jacob Chance general feedback about how the referees handle tense situations.

He also said there’s a difference between what happens on the court, and off it - referring to Anthony’s outbursts that were directed at the broadcast camera and commentator.

“There’s a deliberate separation that’s created,” he said.

“We want to make sure that what we do on the floor stays on the floor … Anything that’s external that requires a more objective view overall, then that’s a League matter to deal with.”

Eight-time NBL MVP and basketball icon Andrew Gaze has since weighed in on Anthony's antics, believing they can be a distraction for his teammates.

“There’s no doubting the talent is exceptional,” Gaze said to foxsports.com.au.

“But this sort of is a distraction that I don’t think he or the team needs.

“As much as you understand someone’s personality and that they might have prevented you from getting a little bit emotional from time to time, if you have to keep managing it, it can be a problem.”

United next host Brisbane on Saturday from 7.30pm AEDT, live on 9Go!, 9Now and ESPN.

Read the full story here >> ‘There is a problem’: Star US import’s explosive ref rants under investigation as legend weighs in