Malta Basketball Association (MBA) player Derek Brown has been handed two separate suspensions following disciplinary proceedings related to social media posts he made after the BOV Knock Out Final between Starlites JSD and Hibernians on 2nd March 2025.
The MBA Disciplinary Commissioner, Mr. Leonard Falzon, issued two rulings based on reports received from both the Malta Basketball Officials Association and MBA President Paul Sultana. The posts in question contained serious allegations against game officials and the MBA, which subsequently went viral.
In the first case, the Disciplinary Commissioner reviewed a report concerning Brown’s accusations of corruption against game officials. While Brown admitted to posting his comments out of frustration and disappointment after losing the final, the disciplinary board found the nature of his statements to be serious. As a result, he was suspended from all MBA activities for one year, effective immediately. Additionally, he was banned from entering or approaching any MBA competition venues during the suspension period. The decision was deemed final, with any appeal to follow standard MBA procedures.
The second case was initiated by MBA President Paul Sultana, focusing on Brown’s comments directed at the Malta Basketball Association itself. Brown later stated that his post was misinterpreted due to missing punctuation and was not intended as an attack on the MBA. He confirmed that no MBA official had requested him to remove the post, with only Hibernians Club officials advising him to do so. Despite his apology and clarification, the MBA disciplinary board found Brown guilty and imposed a three-match suspension from all MBA activities. He was also banned from entering or approaching any MBA event venues during the suspension period and was fined €100, payable immediately. This ruling was also deemed final and enforceable under MBA regulations.
The stark difference in the severity of the two penalties suggests that allegations against match officials were viewed as a more serious violation than criticism of the MBA itself. The one-year ban raises doubts over Brown’s immediate future in Maltese basketball, significantly impacting Hibernians’ squad for upcoming competitions. With no further appeals confirmed, this case serves as a strong precedent for disciplinary actions related to social media misconduct in the Malta Basketball Association.
