Top basketball player charged with assault offences

The National Basketball League has revealed star player Mitchell Creek has been charged with assault offences.

In a joint statement released on Monday night, the National Basketball League (NBL) and Creek’s team, South East Melbourne Phoenix, said they were aware charges had been laid by Victoria Police.

“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 statement said.

“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.”

Creek will not train or play with the club until further notice, the statement said.

Basketball Australia’s Integrity Unit has also done a “preliminary investigation” into the matter, the statement said.

The statement did not detail what specifically Creek has been charged with, but said the matter was now before the courts.

Creek, whose NBL career began in 2010, had brief stints in the NBA with the Brooklyn Nets and Minnesota Timberwolves.

Victoria Police has been contacted for comment.