NBL stands firm on mics

The NBL won't back down on coaches wearing microphones, despite some in the game reportedly calling for them to be scrapped.

Sydney Kings coach Brian Goorjian was fined $775 after directing expletives at South East Melbourne Phoenix guard Owen Foxwell, with the exchange picked up on ESPN’s broadcast.

It’s been revealed that Goorjian was wearing a microphone, but a referee’s mic captured the audio - not his.

SEN commentator Kane Cornes added to the debate, pointing to the League’s growing footprint and rising appeal.

“The NBL is absolutely flying and the reason it’s flying is because it’s interesting,” Cornes said on Friday.

“On the court it’s interesting, off the court there’s teams blowing up at each other, there’s in-fighting … it’s absolutely magnificent.

“Now the coaches want the hot mic banned.

“I’m telling you, just do whatever you are doing and continue to do it, because the NBL is on an absolute heater and if we hear a coach swear from time to time, excellent - because your broadcast rights are going to go through the roof and interest is going to grow.

“Toughen up, to the NBL coaches.”

The man in charge of the NBL's Broadcast, Chief Content and Media Officer Heath O’Loughlin said the League’s level of access is what sets it apart.

“We regard the coach microphones as an important and distinctive part of our broadcast that brings our fans even closer to the game,” he said.

“Our League is built for the fans, and the coach, referee and player microphones deliver edge-of-your-seat moments, heated huddles, and motivational speeches sports fans want to see and feel like they’re a part of.

“Regarding the incident (Goorjian and Foxwell) in question: this was in fact captured via the referee mic, not the coach’s mic.

“We follow strict broadcast protocols around when audio is used.”

CODE Sports reported concerns over the mics using an anonymous source.

“If we as coaches have to wear the mic for the entire game, then so should the players,” an unnamed coach said.

The article noted a sense among some coaches the live-mic setup exposes them to scrutiny in moments of heightened emotion.

Live microphones are used in select time-outs, with coaches aware they could be on air. The audio is not broadcast in the final two minutes of each quarter.

“The beauty of the NBL lies in its accessibility and excitement for fans,” O’Loughlin continued.

“The coach mics keep the league innovative and fan-focused, offering insider access that few other sports can match.”