The main points surrounding Heal’s shock absence had been saved a thriller, till now.

The Flames on Tuesday confirmed in an announcement that “a number of Sydney Flames gamers individually approached membership officers with allegations of bullying” early in January.

The membership suspended Heal whereas an investigation occurred, and the previous NBA, NBL and Australian Boomers star has since filed an injunction within the federal court docket towards the Flames.

Heal’s case will subsequent seem in court docket on Wednesday.

“What sits on the coronary heart of this matter is participant security and welfare,” the Flames stated.

“That’s our sole concern at the moment, and we are going to at all times preserve give attention to that.

Stream 4 WNBL matches every spherical stay and free on 9Now.

“The Sydney Flames see no benefit in Mr Heal’s present authorized manoeuvrings and can defend Mr Heal’s court docket proceedings vigorously and to its full extent.”

However following the Flames’ assertion being made public on Tuesday, Heal issued his personal tackle the matter.

“I’m disenchanted that they made the assertion with none session or discover, significantly when there are court docket proceedings on foot,” the Sydney Kings legend stated.

“Of concern, the assertion is inaccurate and incomplete in quite a lot of respects. In these circumstances, I’ve no alternative however to briefly reply.

“(Since March 2021) I’ve labored intently with the group, teaching employees and administration with none points or considerations being raised.

“Throughout late 2022, I raised numerous considerations affecting my capability to educate the group. I then raised concern on January 7 2023 concerning the method during which I had been handled by a senior member of Sydney Flames administration. Quickly after, I used to be suspended.

“At a later stage, I used to be supplied with, for my part, broadly said and basic allegations. Whereas I can not, at this stage, go into the character of the allegations and the investigation which was undertaken, I want to clarify that I’ve raised considerations concerning the nature of the allegations; the motivation of elevating them as at January 20 2023; and basic deficiencies within the investigation course of which was undertaken. I’ve additionally supplied an in depth response.

“I deny that I’ve at any stage acted in a fashion to threat the well being and security of any individual or participant. On the contrary, I’ve sought to safeguard the wellbeing and pursuits of gamers, and help them. I’ve not been knowledgeable by Sydney Flames (or another organisation) of the identification of any individuals who could have raised considerations.

“I don’t settle for the accusation by the Sydney Flames that I’m participating in litigation for some improper objective. The current litigation is my try to defend my rights and entitlements, and in addition pursue the considerations which I’ve concerning the investigation course of; allegations raised; and reliance by Sydney Flames on these allegations.

“I take pleasure in my function and respect each participant. I additionally respect my teaching employees who’ve labored tirelessly alongside me and proceed to do a incredible job.”

The Flames say quite a lot of gamers have additionally spoken to the Australian Basketball Gamers’ Affiliation and have been provided counselling.

Heal, now 52 years previous, went undrafted within the 1992 NBA draft however subsequently performed two separate stints in America’s high league – with the Minnesota Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs.

He had a fruitful profession in Australia and was the 1988 NBL rookie of the 12 months, and received the Gaze Medal twice.

For a each day dose of the most effective of the breaking information and unique content material from Extensive World of Sports activities, subscribe to our e-newsletter by clicking right here!

The place are they now? The Essendon 34 a decade on from the saga that outlined them