<\/p>\n
BALLARAT Miner, Jalon \u2018J.D.\u2019 Miller, is out for the rest of the Coles Express NBL1 South season following a sanction from the German National Anti-Doping Agency.<\/p>\n
An American import, the 205-centrmenter-tall forward had played for Bundesliga\u2019s Giessen 46ers during the German 2021\/22 season before signing with the Miners.<\/p>\n
A statement released by Basketball Ballarat on Saturday evening said Miller was sanctioned by the GNADA under Article 2.1 of that organisation\u2019s anti-doping code on 11 July.<\/p>\n
Section 2.1 of the German National Anti-Doping Agency code matches with the same part of the World Anti-Doping Agency\u2019s code and covers prohibited substances.<\/p>\n
Miller is now not eligible to play in Australia and it\u2019s believed he\u2019s left the country.<\/p>\n
\u201c[T]he Club makes every effort working with Basketball Australia and the League to ensure its players are free of any sanctions,\u201d Basketball Ballarat CEO Neville Ivey said.<\/p>\n
\u201c[W]hilst we acknowledge that the decision has just been made by the German Anti-Doping Agency, it is disappointing that no advice was provided to indicate the matter was pending.\u201d<\/p>\n
With only a handful of games left in the season, the Miners are not able to replace Miller with another import.<\/p>\n
Two-and-a-half hours after the announcement of Miller sanction, the men\u2019s team took on Frankston at Selkirk Stadium.<\/p>\n
In a spirited loss, the side went down by three points, 84-87, meaning the team\u2019s chance of a playoffs appearance is becoming harder.<\/p>\n
Koen Sapwell stepped up and had a team high 19 points, along with five rebounds and six assists in nearly double his average game time.<\/p>\n
Deng Gak, who was original brought in as fill-in for Miller but has stuck around, had 15 points and six rebounds.<\/p>\n
As the Miller drama was being made public, the women\u2019s squad hit the court and took another win, also over Frankston, 83-77.<\/p>\n
Nearly all the starters chipped in with strong efforts, including Zitina Aokuso with 23 points while Jade Melbourne sunk 20 and had seven rebounds and eight assists.<\/p>\n
Both teams are back in action on Selkirk this Sunday from 12pm with the women taking on the Launceston Tornados while the men play North West Tasmania.<\/p>\n
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