Mixed signals coming from LaMelo Ball and Jermaine Jackson and the National Basketball League (NBL) on Thursday led to confusion over the future of the Illawarra Hawks’ franchise. After Jackson told ESPN’s Jonathan Givony that their purchase of the Hawks was a done deal, the NBL refuted that with a statement stating quite the contrary.
On Friday, the origins of what led to those mixed signals and where Ball and Jackson stand in regards to purchasing the franchise was discovered. Fox Sports Australia’s Olgun Uluc got to the bottom of the confusion by seeking another member of the consortium Ball and Jackson were joining in Illawarra businessmen Tory Lavalle.
A miscommunication between Lavalle and Jackson and Ball led the latter duo to be under the impression they had completed the purchase of the franchise. Lavalle admitted to the mistake in a press release on Friday.
“With a view to maintaining a NBL team in the Illawarra, to further the options available, LaMelo Ball and Jermaine Jackson have expressed their interest in forming a consortium to potentially take over the Hawks licence Both LaMelo and Jermaine greatly enjoyed their time here at the Hawks and in the Illawarra. That experience led them to agree, in principle, to be involved with me should a licence opportunity in the Illawarra become available to us.
“Yesterday there were media reports stating that LaMelo and Jermaine have taken over the Hawks. Unfortunately, those reports were due to how I communicated with LaMelo and Jermaine. There was a misunderstanding that an agreement had been reached. For this, I unreservedly apologise to LaMelo and Jermaine.”
While the purchase is not official and does not appear to be imminent, Ball, Jackson and Lavalle still intend to pursue a deal for the franchise. Lavalle continued to say as much in his statement:
“However, I can assure the Illawarra, Hawks supports and the general basketball community that a consortium involving myself, LaMelo Ball and Jermaine Jackson remain very interested in discussing future possibilities and opportunities to retain a team in the Illawarra. Those discussions are continuing.
“Our only interest and motivation is to ensure the long term future of the Illawarra Hawks and for the team to be based right here in the Illawarra.”
This release from Lavalle came on the heels of Illawarra being placed into voluntary administration. The move would allow the league to field offers from suitors like Ball, Jackson and Lavalle, among others.
But given the league’s statement on Friday and Lavalle’s statement, it’s clear that the purchase of the Hawks is neither a done deal nor an imminent one. The NBL will clearly welcome bids on the franchise and determine the best owner or owners moving forward.
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