Hawks statement

The Illawarra Hawks have been made aware of comments made by Sydney Kings owner Paul Smith against their co-owner and president Dorry Kordahi.

The Hawks do not condone or agree with any of the comments made by Smith on Tuesday's The Jimmy Smith Show on SEN1170.

During the chat between the two Smiths, the Kings owner claims Kordahi was spying on their team's shootaround at the WIN Entertainment Centre (set from 11.30am-1pm), prior to the team's cancelled NBL Blitz fixture on Saturday, November 27.

Kordahi disputed those claims, saying he and a Hawks staff member, were in the arena after 1pm for less than a minute to access the outside concourse as the Kings finished their scheduled shootaround.

Fifteen minutes afterwards, the Hawks pair returned to conduct reviews of corporate seating, while a handful of players took part in other non-team related drills. 

It was at this time Kordahi was sent a text message by Sydney CEO Chris Pongrass and asked to leave the arena following which he and the staff member immediately complied.

At no time was Kordahi or any other member of the Hawks asked to leave the arena.

The club is disappointed with the accusations and the way this was delivered by the Kings and will not comment on the matter further at this stage.