Sydney Kings star import Josh Childress is facing the prospect of a lengthy NBL ban for a sickening hit on Perth's Jesse Wagstaff.
The incident, which has made headlines worldwide, including on social media, happened late in the third quarter of Friday night's game in Perth, won 84-63 by the Wildcats.
Moments after Wagstaff knocked the American to the ground with a legal screen, Childress got to his feet and charged at the Wildcats player with a raised forearm.
Childress, a 391-game NBA veteran, best remembered for his 2004-08 stint with the Atlanta Hawks, delivered a stiff blow to Wagstaff's head as the Perth player was getting a shot off at the top of the key.
He was ejected for the hit and condemned for his actions post-match by Wildcats coach Trevor Gleeson.
"I thought it was a pretty cheap shot," Gleeson said.
"There's no room for that in our game. I hope the league takes a stand on it because it wasn't deserved.
"You do that in AFL and you're out. Anything around the head is a no-no."
Gleeson was joined in his condemnation of the action by analysts around the basketball world, especially in the US, with the hit even being shown on ESPN's flagship program Sportscenter.
Childress for his part was incensed and vented his anger on Twitter.
"@NBL it was very clear who runs the league and the officials tonight. Maybe the best officiated game I have been a part of."
Australian basketball legend and commentator Andrew Gaze was blown away by the incident.
"This would have to be one of the biggest hits ever seen in the NBL. Josh Childress Elbows Jesse Wagstaff - Ejected," Gaze tweeted.
Childress later deleted the tweet and will now await his punishment.
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