Basketball: Supercity Rangers coach Jeff Green charged after obscene gesture during NBL game

Jeff Green's obscene gesture during the Rangers' win. Photo / SKY

Controversial New Zealand basketball coach Jeff Green is in hot water yet again, after being caught making an obscene gesture during the opening game of the National Basketball League last night.

With three minutes to go during his Supercity Rangers side's victory over the Manawatu Jets, Green traded words with someone in attendance at the game in Palmerston North.

As his side built a lead which proved to be unattainable and celebrated going into a timeout, Green put his hand to his ear, before demonstrating a lewd act.

Jeff Green's obscene gesture during the Rangers' win. Photo / SKY

The NBL's Game Review Panel has slapped Green with three charges as a result - excessive disputing of a game official decision, excessive obscene gesture/language to any person, and unsportsmanlike behaviour.

Each charge carries a penalty of a $125 fine with an early plea, or the defendant can elect to appeal and request a tribunal hearing with a risk of receiving a maximum penalty totalling $250 per charge. Green has 48 hours to respond to the charges.

"It is disappointing that we have needed to lay charges so early in the season, but it is important that everyone is aware that these rules will be enforced," says NBL General Manager Justin Nelson.

"The integrity of our league and the game of basketball is of high importance and there is a process in place to protect that."

Green has a history of fines in his long tenure as a coach in the NBL, having previously been fined $5000 for making obscene gestures and swearing at Nelson supporters, and being fined $1000 for publicly criticising referees.

He was also fined $2000 in the past for alleging former national coach Tab Baldwin was racially biased in deciding his Tall Blacks training squad.

Last year, his Rangers side was involved in a game which led to police investigating allegations of illegal betting, while earlier this year he was banned from school coaching for two years - with one year suspended - after being caught fielding an ineligible player three times at a national basketball tournament.