I agree -- Bradtke escapes because he gave more warning, but still didn't declare himself ineligible when the teams were picked.

Hopefully next year they time the game so that it's not at such a crucial point of the season.

And what about Forman - where's his one match ban?

In his situation the NBL decide to replace him with Tucker as they think this would be better for the comp.

Dwight should NOT have a ban - if he does then Bradtke and Foreman also.

One rule - no exceptions.
Or no rule at all.

I feel this is restrain of trade and would be worth testing through the courts. But it's a moot point anyway if he's not fit for Fridays game.

Why is everyone getting so up in arms about this? The Pigs dont seem overly fussed about it from the comments above. As for Bradtke - we dont know the full story on him pulling out of the game so it makes it hard to judge. And as for Oscar I thought the rule was only for players playing in the game - if that was the case then he's fine to miss the dunks. An athletic person to throw into the dunk comp is a lot easier to find than someone to hold their own in the game.

Its a stupid rule either way. It doesn't allow for a genuine injury (rolled ankle for example) that could be bad on a Tuesday, still not right on Wednesday, but with intensive physio could be playable by Friday.

A doctor's opinion should be the final say...

Its a stupid rule. Number one priority should be given to the current season and the affect these games have on them. There is a championship to be won in 2 months time and I can't see anything more important than working your way to winning this. As far as I know, there was never anything written in the rule books of the past to say that your chances of a championship could be jeopardised by any special event arising and your failure to comply in these events. How many people knew of this rule at the beginning of this season let alone further back in the past. Players trying to back out of this event is testimont in itself that they don't place as much importance on it and would rather be left alone to concentrate on the regular season games.

The All Star games have entertainment value only, winning the championship is the culmination of 6 - 8 months of hard work to get to this prize.

How can it be restraint of tyrade?? The All*Star game is a special game, and extra payment to the players (if they are getting paid, which I would assume they are)....

Even the Pigs say Dwight would be struggling to play Friday..and he still gets paid either way, even with the suspension (remember, contracts are season long...only rookies / development players get paid on a per game basis)

I think the rule is a good idea, it stops the farce that we used to see with the AFL State of Origin, with players pulling out with injury, only to leave a second string side playing.

Bradtke advised the league as soon as selected he may become unavailable, due to personal reasons. I have been told this is due to a family matter, which has been on going. Bradtke never said he wouldnt play, just he may not be able to. It happened.

Forman is only in the dunk comp, and therefore wasn't going to be in the main game, which is what the punters were going to see.

Oscar also said that he would compete in the dunk comp if required, but asked for a leave of absense due to his ankle injury. Since they had Tucker up there any way it was a simple swap.