Ennis denies throwing trophy in Yarra

James Ennis in action for the Wildcats. Source: Brett Hemmings / Getty Images

PERTH's NBA-bound superstar James Ennis has denied throwing his NBL All Star Five trophy off a Melbourne pier on Wednesday night in a fit when Rotnei Clarke was named MVP.

Speaking after landing back in Perth this afternoon, Ennis did admit to throwing something off the Docklands pier, but not the trophy.

"My trophy's in my bag. I threw a water bottle into the water," he said.

"I have the trophy in my bag and I'm going to give it to my mum when I get home."

However, when asked to produce the trophy Ennis declined.

The American said he was happy for Clarke.

"Clarke deserved it," he said.

"I'm a little disappointed, but it's all good. I'm here to win a championship.

"I think (Grand Final) MVP is more important than MVP of the regular season, and I'm just thankful I get to play in a Grand Final."

One NBL club chairman and another guest of the league at the awards presentation dinner witnessed the alleged incident which quickly became the talk of the function room.

Wildcats chief executive officer Nick Marvin said he could not address the allegations because he had not yet had the chance to speak with Ennis.

"Yes, I heard the story but at this point it's hearsay until I can get back to Perth and speak with James," Marvin said.

Ennis arrives at the NBL MVP Awards Night at Sketch at Docklands. Source: Getty Images

Marvin remained in Melbourne for today's announcement of the NBL's Summer League launch in Las Vegas from July13-16 in conjunction with the NBA.

Ennis has had a huge impact on the NBL since being released by the NBA champion Miami Heat to develop his game overseas.

He won the Ray Borner Medal at the Pre-Season Blitz as Perth won the inaugural Loggins-Bruton Cup and has helped steer the Wildcats into the grand final series against Adelaide with a stellar regular season.

Interviewed last night he said he wanted to show his talents in Australia and looked pleased when named in the All Star Five alongside Wollongong's Clarke, Chris Goulding (Melbourne), Daniel Johnson (Adelaide) and AJ Ogilvy (Sydney).

He led the early going at the MVP count but the unassuming Clarke motored to victory, pipping Goulding and knocking Ennis to third.

Tigers dual-Olympian Mark Worthington said Ennis' actions showed disrespect for the NBL, Clarke and Goulding.

"I only heard about it at the dinner and it's extremely disrespectful," Worthington said.

"It probably shows he doesn't respect the league, Rotnei Clarke or Chris Goulding and gives an insight into the guy."

The NBL's most recent Hall of Fame inductee Mark Bradtke said he believed Ennis' frustrations had gotten the better of him.

"We can all have a moment like that when we do something in the heat of the moment we may later regret," Bradtke said.

"The dinner is right there at the pier. If he had to go out and walk 100 metres to throw it (the award) away, would he have bothered?

"He had a great year and I think it shows he's passionate. His goal was probably to win everything this year and go to the NBA.

"Does he regret it? Probably.

"But we can't complain athletes don't show enough passion, then react when they do show some."

The Wildcats host Adelaide in Game One in the best-of-three grand final series at Perth Arena on Monday.

"Individual awards are great but this is a team game," 36ers general manager Dean Parker said.

"His actions seem to show where his priorities are."

Game Two will be at Adelaide Arena tomorrow-week, the 36ers 15-1 at The Fortress.

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Knights slam ‘offensive’ judiciary

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STRICKEN Knight Alex McKinnon has commenced discussions with a lawyer, as his club slammed the NRL judiciary's handling of the tragedy as "offensive" and "insensitive".

In a dramatic aftermath to Jordan McLean's seven-week suspension on Wednesday night, Newcastle issued an explosive statement that criticised the judiciary and match review committee for:

•Not charging the two other Melbourne players involved in the tackle; Jesse and Kenny Bromwich.

•Allowing McLean to take the field last weekend.

•Allowing suggestions that McKinnon contributed to the injury by ducking his head just before impact with the turf.

•General inconsistencies in grading.

Alex McKinnon gets stretchered off the field. Source: News Corp Australia

The Daily Telegraph can also reveal McKinnon's management has made contact with a Sydney-based lawyer, Daniel McGirr, to handle his future affairs.

BROKEN NECK ADDED FOUR WEEKS

There has been no discussion of any legal claim as yet, with the immediate focus fixed on establishing McKinnon's final diagnosis and the extent of insurance offered by the NRL.

Melbourne are also giving further consideration to appeal McLean's ban, but Storm officials would have been ambushed by the boldness of Newcastle's statement on Thursday night.

Alex McKinnon of the Knights lays on the ground after being tackled. Source: Getty Images

Having remained silent about the judiciary process since McKinnon's injury last Monday, the Knights vented their frustrations "with the inconsistencies in relation to the NRL judiciary".

Newcastle were most incensed with suggestions – tentatively advanced by McLean's defence counsel Nick Ghabar on Wednesday night – that McKinnon had contributed to the injury.

The statement read: "Firstly, the Club takes great offence to suggestions Alex McKinnon contributed to his injury when he was totally helpless in a three-man tackle and left with no ability to protect himself."

The remark is reflective of coach Wayne Bennett's long-held opposition to gang tackles.

Further criticisms of the grading and charging process also echo Bennett's anger over prop Kade Snowden receiving a seven-week suspension late last year for a contentious shoulder charge that broke the jaw of Cowboys utility Ray Thompson.

Jordan McLean arrives for NRL judiciary hearing on his tackle on Alex McKinnon. Source: News Corp Australia

The Knights felt all three Storm tacklers should have been charged, and also expressed disappointment the NRL's initial decision to stand down McLean was overturned last week.

"Secondly, the club is disappointed only McLean was charged," the statement continued.

"His defence acknowledged the involvement of his two teammates in the tackle contributed to Alex's injury, however they have escaped penalty.

"Thirdly, the club applauds the NRL's decision to postpone the hearing while everyone focused on Alex's recovery, however found it insensitive McLean was permitted to play before Wednesday's hearing.

"Finally, while the Club understands the length of suspension was always going to polarise opinion, the major disappointment lies in the grave inconsistencies of gradings, especially in comparison to recent cases."

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It emerged on Thursday that McLean's tackle was classified as a grade two dangerous throw, after judiciary chairman Paul Conlon answered calls to release the panel's breakdown of the 725-point penalty.

That meant the penalty ascribed 400 points – or four games – to the severity of McKinnon's injury.

NRL boss Dave Smith personally spoke to McLean after the hearing to offer his support.

Should McLean accept the suspension, it's likely he will take at least one week off to clear his head and possibly return to family in Canberra.

NRL head of football Todd Greenberg expressed his sympathy for all involved, including the judiciary panel.

Newcastle fans hold signs in respect for injured player Alex McKinnon. Source: News Corp Australia

"There has been no case like this in recent memory and it was always going to be a difficult case for the independent panel," Greenberg said.

"There is a process in place which was followed but it is clearly a tragic and extraordinary set of circumstance that we are dealing with."

McKinnon remains in a Melbourne hospital with immediate family by his side after emerging from a coma earlier this week.

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Racing mourns jockey Nathan Berry

Jockey Nathan Berry has died in a Sydney hospital hours after he was flown home to Sydney from Singapore.

SYDNEY'S racing fraternity is in mourning following the death yesterday of popular jockey Nathan Berry. He was 23.

What is supposed to be one of the most exciting weeks on the Sydney calendar — with the running of tomorrow's Golden Slipper — has suddenly become one of the saddest.

GALLERY - NATHAN BERRY'S LIFE IN PICTURES

TRIBUTES FLOW FOR NATHAN, GONE TOO SOON

Tragic: Jockey Nathan Berry with Whitney on their wedding day. Source: Supplied

Nathan Berry and then fiancee Whitney Schofield enjoy a day at the beach. Picture: Adam Head Source: News Limited

Nathan Berry in the jockeys' room at Warwick Farm. Source: News Limited

Berry was struck down with viral encephalitis a fortnight ago in Singapore, only to be later diagnosed with the much more serious Norse syndrome, which relates to epilepsy.

Tommy and Nathan Berry / Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Limited

Grief-stricken family members, including his wife of just two months Whitney Schofield and identical twin brother, jockey Tommy Berry, had made arrangements to have Berry brought home to Sydney on a charter flight after it became clear his condition would not improve.

He touched down yesterday and was taken straight to Royal North Shore Hospital, where he died just after 2pm.

Age: 23 Career: 351 wins Prizemoney: $14.6m Career highlight: Unencumbered's win in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic on the Gold Coast in January First stakes winner: Va Pensiero in the San Domenico Stakes Personal life: - Twin brother and fellow jockey Tommy Berry is a Group 1 winner who won the Golden Slipper on Overreach almost a year ago. - Married Whitney Schofield, daughter of South African-born Sydney based jockey Glyn Schofield in Sydney in February. - Father Kevin Berry is a trainer at Warwick Farm 2013-14 premiership season Wins: 51 Prizemoney: $3.6m

Berry's father-in-law, fellow jockey Glyn Schofield, late yesterday posted a wedding photo of Nathan and his daughter Whitney on Twitter, with the words: "The man we love so much and will miss even more. Losing you cuts so deep buddy. R.I.P."

The pair wed in February. Just weeks earlier Berry rode Unencumbered to victory in the $2 million Magic Millions Stakes on the Gold Coast — his biggest win. Berry was due to ride the same horse in tomorrow's Golden Slipper. Unencumbered is now sure to become a sentimental favourite among casual punters.

The horse's trainer, Bjorn Baker, was overcome with emotion when asked about Berry at an official Slipper function early yesterday, hours before the jockey died.

"It's been tough actually. We're good friends, he's good friends with my staff, and he's an absolute gentleman. He's mature beyond his years, and we miss him,'' he said.

Jockeys riding at yesterday's Wyong meeting were told the tragic news just before the final race. Many cried.

"You could have heard a pin drop when we told them,'' steward Greg Rudolph said.

"The mood was very sombre. We gave the jockeys the option of not riding in the last but they were all very professional and we ran the last race.''

SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE

Jockey Nathan Berry with then-fiance Whitney Schofield / Picture: Adam Head Source: News Limited

Nathan met his wife Whitney through racing, and their relationship grew as he forged a strong friendship with her father and fellow jockey Glyn Schofield. Rivals on the course, they quickly became friends, and then family, away from the racetrack as Nathan and Whitney married in Sydney in February. Their marriage brought two of modern racing's most popular and formidable families together. Whitney's father Glyn is a regular rider in the Sydney ranks, coming head-to-head with both Tommy and Nathan almost every weekend. Glyn's son Chad Schofield is regarded as one of the finest young jockeys of the past decade. He won his first Group 1 race during last year's Melbourne spring carnival when Shamus Award became the first maiden to win the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley. Tommy Berry has emerged as the No.1 rider for the powerful Gai Waterhouse stable. He won last year's Group 1 Golden Slipper aboard impressive filly Overreach in the highlight of his short career. Almost 12 months to the day, he is mourning the loss of his twin brother and best friend. On Twitter, Glyn Schofield revealed the pain his family was going through at Nathan's loss. "The man we love so much and will miss even more. Losing you cuts so deep buddy. R.I.P," Schofield tweeted. While fellow jockey Kerrin McEvoy, who is to ride race favourite Earthquake in Saturday's $3.5 million Group 1 Golden Slipper  (1200m) at Rosehill Gardens. "Gone too young, a ripping young guy #NathanBerry RIP we will all miss you," McEvoy wrote. Before they left for their honeymoon and Nathan's four-month riding stint in Singapore, Whitney ran the Whitney Schofield Dance Academy in Sydney.

Jockey Nathan Berry on Ecostanati at Warwick Farm. Source: News Limited

Jockey Nathan Berry rides Unencumbered to the win in the Magic Millions / Picture: Adam Head Source: News Limited

It is not known if Tommy Berry, Schofield or fellow jockey Christian Reith — who rushed to Singapore to be by Nathan's bedside — will ride at Rosehill. Stewards have organised for counselling on-track.

Jockey Nathan Berry / Picture: Adam Head Source: News Limited

Nathan Berry at his wedding two months ago. Source: Supplied

Berry recently took up a four-month riding stint in Singapore and became ill late last month.

He was placed in an induced coma. Once diagnosed with Norse syndrome last Tuesday, there were grave concerns about the extent of damage to his brain caused by the sudden illness.

Nathan Berry winning race 2 on Hot Commodity during Randwick midweek races on the Kensington track. Source: News Limited

It is with great sadness that the Berry and Schofield families have requested that we advise of the passing of Mr Nathan Berry. Nathan was on a four-month riding contract in Singapore when he collapsed at trackwork on March 18, with doctors later diagnosing the young rider with Norse syndrome, an acute form of epilepsy. Nathan, 23, along with twin brother Tommy, was apprenticed to his father Kevin who trained at Warwick Farm and the pair quickly established themselves as top class jockeys. Nathan rode more than 350 winners with his biggest win coming only months ago when successful aboard Unencumbered in the $2 million Magic Millions on the Gold Coast. He rode three winners in the short time he was in Singapore. Brother Tommy dedicated his win in the opening race at Rosehill Gardens last Saturday to his ill brother and emotionally punched the air as he passed the post on The Offer. Nathan married Whitney Schofield, daughter of top jockey Glyn Schofield, on February 2 and she kept a bedside vigil throughout his illness. "The entire racing industry is extremely distraught with the news of Nathan's passing," said Mr Peter V'landys, Racing NSW's Chief Executive. "Sadness is not a sufficient word to describe this tragedy. We are all very distressed and could not imagine the grief the family must be going through. "This was a young man that had the world at his feet. He won the Magic Millions in January and rose to the top of the ranks so quickly that he was offered a contract to ride in Singapore. "You would not meet a family more grounded and genuine than the Berry family. They are the most diligent and hard-working people I know. "Our sincere condolences go out to the Berry and Schofield families and Nathan's wife Whitney."

Jockey Nathan Berry, on his wedding day to Whitney, just two months ago. Source: Supplied

Jockey Nathan Berry with then-fiance Whitney Schofield / Picture: Adam Head Source: News Limited

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Glasgow’s bang-up opening ceremony

What one of the Glasgow derelict buildings may look like prior to their starring role in the ceremony. Source: News Limited

THE Glasgow Commonwealth Games will literally begin with a bang when a group of longstanding high rise buildings are blown up as part of the opening ceremony.

The unique plan's been announced today with Glasgow officials aiming to wow the world and make a statement about the Scottish city's focus on regeneration.

Organisers say the "blow-down" of five of the city's six remaining Red Road flats using explosives will take just 15 seconds and be the biggest demolition of its kind seen in Europe.

The demolition will be shown live on a big screen at the Celtic Park ceremony on July 23 and to a worldwide television audience.

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All Black wannabe to Slipper jockey

Jockey James McDonald will have to settle for being a Group 1-winning jockey after his All Blacks dreams didn't pan out.. Picture: Brett Costello Source: Brett Costello / News Corp Australia

JAMES McDonald wanted two things when he was growing up.

"To play for the All Blacks and be a dairy farmer,'' McDonald said.

The young Kiwi never dreamt of being a jockey and riding a serious horse like Mossfun in the seriously-expensive race like the Golden Slipper on Saturday.

One of the reasons he became a hoop was because top New Zealand jockey Lance O'Sullivan had made enough dough to buy not one but three dairy farms.

Slipper week always tosses up fascinating stories on trainers, horses and jockeys alike. McDonald is no exception.

One of the coolest yarns is the day McDonald's father, New Zealand trainer Brett McDonald, realised his young bloke would make it in the saddle.

"James always had the talent to be a jockey, but he didn't have that s..t in him to survive,'' McDonald told The Daily Telegraph from New Zealand.

"But one day, he was playing rugby against a Maori side at Tokoroa, and I remember this big fella saying, 'I'm going to run straight at the little white fella'.

Jockey James McDonald could be in for a big afternoon at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Corp Australia

"He was trying to intimidate James, but James buried him. The kid got up, then decided he was going to run at James again. James tackled him again, only this time he held his head in the dirt. He did it, got up and carried on like nothing had happened. That's when I realised he had that (killer instinct) needed to be a jockey.''

McDonald, 22, proved that day he never backed away from a challenge.

It wasn't the only time. He recalled a day he picked a fight in primary school with a bigger kid who had thrown his younger brother off a trampoline.

"My fifth day at the races I was also thrown against the locker by another jockey after an incident on the track,'' McDonald said.

"I think it was at Taupo. I laughed at the jockey, but I had a go at him and held my ground.

"I have so much respect for everyone I ride against but when it comes to the battlefield, I like to think I more than hold me own.''

Those battlefields don't get any more brutal than a race like the Golden Slipper.

Sixteen two-year-olds in a mad scramble for a whopping $3.5 million in prizemoney - not to mention the extra millions on the line for any colt first across the line - makes it anything but a race for the faint-hearted jockey.

Mossfun, to be ridden by James McDonnald, will revel if it's a wet Golden Slipper at Rosehill. Picture: Simon Bullard Source: News Corp Australia

McDonald is not a thug. He looks so innocent and young he could pass as a sixth member of popular boy band One Direction.

But he doesn't give an inch on the track, which might explain why he's had so much success so quickly, and is in such hot demand with the likes of Mossfun's trainer John Hawkes, soon-to-be Darley's top dog John O'Shea, and Gai Waterhouse.

Hawkes speaks with McDonald after most meetings to discuss their horses, and praised the jockey for his "soft hands''.

Mossfun is the second favourite behind Earthquake, and will firm again with bookies should the forecast rain prevail.

Earthquake could become Mcdonald's latest Group 1 scalp. He's already got Proisir in the 2012 Spring Champion Stakes and Atlantic Jewel in last spring's Underwood Stakes as prized notches in his belt.

"I think Mossfun has every chance on Saturday, she's trained by (Team) Hawkes, John is an incredible trainer, and he said she's right on song,'' McDonald said.

McDonald could be in for a big afternoon should Mossfun win the Slipper, and It's A Dundeel bounce back with victory in The BMW (2400m). He also praised Rising Romance, the Kiwi filly who revs up her ATC Oaks campaign via the Vinery Stud Stakes.

Come Saturday night, McDonald could be well on his way to buying that first dairy farm.

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Rain dampens Windies batsmen

Chris Gayle is the big wicket for Sri Lanka to take. Source: Scott Barbour / Getty Images

SRI Lanka posted a challenging 160 for six total against the West Indies in the World Twenty20 semi-final in Dhaka.

Lahiru Thirimanne topscored with a career best 35-ball 44 runs, Tillakaratne Dilshan made a run-a-ball 39 and Angelo Mathews a fiery 23-ball 40 after Sri Lanka won the toss and decided to bat on a slow pitch at the Shere Bangla stadium.

Mathews hit two sixes and three boundaries to give the innings the much-needed impetus against the defending champions before he fell off the last delivery.pePaceman Krishmar Santokie finished with two for 46 runs.

Thirimanne, who was playing after Twenty20 captain Dinesh Chandimal opted out due to poor form, hit three boundaries and two sixes.

MATCH CENTRE: LIVE COMMENTARY, STATS AND FULL SCOREBOARD

Sri Lanka had raced to 41 in the fourth over thanks to Dilshan and Kusal Perera (26), before they lost three wickets in the space of 15 balls.

Perera, who hit two fours and as many sixes off 12 balls, was bowled by Santokie before Mahela Jayawardene was run out without facing a delivery.

Kumar Sangakkara miscued a drive and was caught and bowled by leg-spinner Samuel Badree for one.

Dilshan and Thirimanne added 42 for the fourth wicket before Dilshan became the second batsman to run out. He hit two boundaries and a six.

Sri Lanka brought in spinning allrounder Seekkuge Prasanna in place of Thisara Perera, while the West Indies remained unchanged from the side which beat Pakistan on Tuesday.

The West Indies were 4-80 before rain and hail stopped play.

The second semi-final is between India and South Africa in Dhaka on Friday.

The final will be played in Dhaka on Sunday.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR MATCH CENTRE!

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