Otago Nuggets import Lemar Gayle yesterday quit after he was fined $500 for "inappropriate behaviour" and making negative comments in the newspaper.
On court, Gayle delivered for the franchise, averaging more than 26 points a match. But off the court the mercurial Californian has been a liability.
Last week Gayle told the Otago Daily Times he was frustrated with coach Don Sims and criticised his team-mates.
"Some of my team-mates, they accept losing and I don't. They are cool if we [just] stay in the game," he said.
Otago Nuggets general manager Warrick Diack said Gayle's comments were a breach of team protocol and, combined with other incidents, the organisation decided to fine the player $500.
"We had a number of issues we raised with Lemar. One being some of the comments he made in the newspaper on Saturday ..." Diack said.
"He didn't speak positively about his team and we felt he had caused a lot of problems when it came to team cohesion."
Aside from his public outburst, Diack said Gayle had acted inappropriately towards his team-mates, was disrespectful of Basketball Otago property and the organisation had received some negative feedback from the community about his behaviour.
"We expect out players to be role models for the community and we expect them to act appropriately. I guess this highlights the importance of getting good people.
"You can have all the skills in the world but we need good people involved in the organisation and can't put up with behaviour that is inappropriate."
Gayle reacted angrily to news of his fine and became aggressive.
"He responded very negatively towards his fine and decided to [quit]. At which stage he became very aggressive and we had to negotiate with him to keep things level-headed."
Gayle flew home to the United States yesterday and could not be reached for comment.
There are only two games left in the season for the Nuggets and they will not be replacing Gayle.
