Basketball News 2023: Shane Heal has filed for a federal court injunction against the Sydney Flames

But the enduring mystery surrounding Heal’s three-week absence as WNBL coach of the Flames took a dramatic turn on Tuesday when his restraining order was referred to mediation for this Thursday.

Heal, an Australian basketball legend, has not coached Sydney’s WNBL side since January 15 and it has since emerged that the Flames have opened an investigation.

Neither the Flames nor Heal have disclosed the nature of the investigation.

However, the former Boomers captain and four-time Olympian took his case against the Flames to Sydney federal court on Tuesday afternoon.

News Corp understands an urgent interlocutory application has been made to the Chief Justice of Australia’s Federal Court of Justice to prevent the Sydney Flames from making a decision on Heal’s appointment after the club refused to make commitments.

Heal is also understood to have addressed his own issues regarding his treatment by the club, which has been lodged with the Fair Work Commission but is yet to be decided.

Heal’s case comes four months after club legend and former coach Karen Dalton filed a lawsuit against the Flames in federal court.

In an ongoing case, Dalton alleges she was discriminated against by a “boys club” because of her age, gender and disability after she complained about the lack of resources the Flames were being given compared to the Sydney Kings’ men’s team became.

The 62-year-old was hired as the Flames’ head coach in 2003 and was promoted to general manager in April 2014.

She transitioned to the role of CEO in July 2020, reporting to Sydney Flames owner Paul Smith and Sydney Kings CEO Chris Pongrass.

Heal, meanwhile, remained silent about the Flames’ independent investigation into Monday’s basketball show.

“No updates,” said Heal.

“Director Dave said I was too happy when I had to talk about it (on the show) last week.

“The fact is, I’ve been handed a piece of paper and I’m not allowed to say a word.

“That’s all I can say.”

Heal raised his daughter Shyla, who left the Flames to sign with the Townsville Fire, where she played in 2020 and led the Fire to a major Finals series.

When asked if Shyla’s signing with the Fires was a separate issue for his investigation with the Flames, he replied: 100 percent.”

Originally published as Shane Heal seeking a federal court injunction against the Sydney Flames