Townsville coach fined over abusive outburst

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Townsville Crocodiles head coach Paul Woolpert has been fined and given a suspended four-match ban by the NBL Tribunal after his fiery exit from their win over Wollongong.

Woolpert pleaded guilty to charges of unsportsmanlike behaviour and abusive language after he was ejected from Saturday night's away win over the Hawks.

He was fined $3500 as well as the suspended sentence after the charges were heard in a teleconference by NBL Tribunal chairman Scott Derwin.

Woolpert had a heated clash with referee Michael Aylen moments before halftime of the 72-57 away victory over the Hawks, charging towards the referee yelling.

He was upset over the foul count against his side and believed the Hawks were getting away with fouling his big men, particularly Luke Schenscher.

In his findings Derwin described the incident as "very ugly".

"His behaviour was physically threatening, intimidating and confronting...

"It has brought the sport into disrespect and disrepute," Derwin wrote.

He said the referee had concerns that it might have escalated into an even more serious situation.

If Woolpert is found guilty by the NBL Tribunal on any charge prior to the end of the 2012/13 season, he will receive the automatic four-game ban.

- AAP