After posting a report on the Gold Coast Blaze situation on Thursday night, a former high ranking Blaze official contacted ANZ Ballaz in order to comment on the situation and some of the things that were said.
On the work environment at the Blaze:
“That work environment we had at the Blaze was one of the the best, if not the best in the league. Everybody loved working there, nobody complained. Every person that was involved (with the club) last year, would’ve been back this year bar one person that was told they couldn’t come back.”
“As far as us taking leave, or people having leave or whatever … our office was so (laid back), you could just leave whenever you wanted. The reason nobody took leave was because no one wanted it. Anyone could’ve taken leave any time they wanted.”
On the expected outcome of Monday’s meeting:
“I think it’s over and out.”
“They were suppose to have this meeting on Friday and it was cancelled. And the reason I was given for it being cancelled, isn’t a significant enough reason for it to be cancelled.”
“I think it will folded up. I don’t think there’s any conspiracy to the whole thing. (They) had some resources pooled and those resources were taken away. When those resources were taken away out of (their) control, they had no way of ever recouping and getting back in balance. They just don’t have the money.”
“They’ve been caught with their pants down. They’ve trusted some people that haven’t come through for them. As a result they couldn’t keep promises they’ve made to us, the staff or players and even the fans as far as having a team next year.”
“If anything bad can be said about (the Tomlinson’s) it’s “nice people finish last”. They’ve put themselves through what no one else would’ve put themselves through to bring basketball here.”
“They (haven’t) got the money. They can’t buy lunch.”
On the suggestion that players had to be dragged on court due to pay issues:
“For someone to say that (players) had to be dragged on the court to play, that’s just wrong. That’s not true.”
“Our guys were excited about being out there, they were enthusiastic.”
“As far as players being paid late, it happened one time. New Years Eve, the Melbourne game. It happened one time. They were paid within a week of that (game). (They) played great in the first half of that game, the last five minutes we looked like shit. ”
“They just ran out of gas.”
“But that was attributed to that fact the team didn’t practice for two days before the game because we couldn’t find a court.”
On Mark Worthington rumoured to have asked to be let go last season:
“Wortho never ever wanted out last year. If (the) players wanted out, they would’ve been out. If one of those players ever said they wanted out, they would’ve been driven to the airport. There’s a list of players previously in (Joey’s) system who have said they wanted out for whatever reason, they were always let out. If you question (Joey’s) system one bit, you won’t play for him.”
Did (we) know Wortho wanted to leave at the end of the year? Yeah, (we) knew he wanted to leave. As soon as his buddies, Joe Ingles plays overseas, Brad Newley plays overseas, Matty Nielsen plays overseas, Patty Mills plays overseas, start talking about how great it is to not be in Australia he’s going to want to be somewhere else.” ~ a claim strongly denied by Worthington
“(But) then as soon as (Chris) Anstey got the job in Melbourne, (we) knew that … that’s his best friend. (We) knew he would want out, and consequently he’s out.”
On the rumour that Joey Wright’s contract was paid in full into a bank account prior to his signing:
“As far as (Joey’s) three years being paid into account, that’s just absolutely, one hundred percent false. They would’ve never have three years salary to put in an account. They just didn’t.”
“Did (he) get a portion paid up front? Yes (he) did.”
On the expectation of what happens Monday if an investor is found:
“If an investor signs on Monday, dumps money into our account, we sign players, we move on. Four or five games into the season, everybody forgets it.
“They didn’t get rid of everyone for under performance.”
“I would say everybody will be with the team next season bar Wortho. We wouldn’t sign them for one dollar less than what they were on contract for. Those guys loved being here.”
9 comments
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gruff
Sunday July 1, 2012 4:38 pm at 4:38 pm (UTC 10) Link to this comment
Bit by bit the true story is probably coming together but there will always be holes.
Couple of players were always disappointed with how the off court assistance was so poor,
families were thrown in the deep end. Prevented them settling quickly into their new environment.
These guys made no secret of that problem. Wortho was probably always the only player who really knew when things should have been better all round. He came from ,originally, well organised clubs who had money most of his career. Training facilities, medical, travelling support, promotional work etc. I wonder if he ever talked to the office about these things and “got put back in his box.”
Fingers are crossed for tomorrow but it looks bleak.
Thanks to ANZBALLAZ for continuing the story and trying to get the whole picture to us, fans and volunteers.
It’s really appreciated.
Scott Brandis
Sunday July 1, 2012 4:51 pm at 4:51 pm (UTC 10) Link to this comment
Thanks for reading mate. We’re certainly not taking any side or trying to add any spin to anything. Don’t guarantee the info people come to us with is accurate so we’re always happy to take input from anyone involved.
gruff
Sunday July 1, 2012 6:49 pm at 6:49 pm (UTC 10) Link to this comment
Read Wortho’s Twitter response, you’ve pinched a nerve.
He did want to be overseas, making that money like Ingles etc, but his 2 opportunities were not successful
and he’s a family man now….Germany and Puerto Rico.
Got a pay out but probably much reduced from original contract.
The Olympics may produce some new ones.
Scott Brandis
Sunday July 1, 2012 7:25 pm at 7:25 pm (UTC 10) Link to this comment
I haven’t pinched a nerve. I’ve spoken directly to Wortho and there’s no issue with anything we’ve done. Just look at the two stories so far, they’ve both got conflicting quotes regarding the players, so it’s expected that something is going to be disagreed upon. The players (and all employees for that matter) were terminated without pay. There was no payouts. There is going to be several sides to this story, if anyone who was directly involved with the club wants to voice theirs, I am happy to post it. I have no intention of covering one side of the story or to put any spin on the story. I’ll leave that up to the paid media.
gruff
Sunday July 1, 2012 7:49 pm at 7:49 pm (UTC 10) Link to this comment
Sorry. I assumed the article pinched a nerve, when I saw his reaction. about people saying that he wanted to play in Europe. The pay out I was referring to was what he got from his overseas teams.
If he can wait till after Olympics,re signing somewhere, new opportunities may come up.
I can see where my comments are not worded well. Apologies.
Scott Brandis
Sunday July 1, 2012 7:59 pm at 7:59 pm (UTC 10) Link to this comment
I would be very surprised if he signed anywhere before the Olympics. He has a switched on agent and considering NBL teams generally won’t fill out their import spots before then, there isn’t a massive gamble.
gruff
Tuesday July 3, 2012 10:16 pm at 10:16 pm (UTC 10) Link to this comment
Is it true that Scott Derwin has released another statement after today’s report from the Blaze?
If so, where can we see it?
Scott Brandis
Wednesday July 4, 2012 7:31 am at 7:31 am (UTC 10) Link to this comment
He did provide a short written statement to GC Bulletin that said very little and he wouldn’t answer any questions.
gruff
Thursday July 12, 2012 2:12 pm at 2:12 pm (UTC 10) Link to this comment
Blaze owners and GC Basketball Assn CEO meeting NBL in Sydney today, cap in hand.
GCBA is only a club, not representative of all basketball on the GC.
Anyone know how big they are?