An American hoops star has lashed out at Basketball Australia for 'clear racial discrimination' after she was threatened with a ban over her braided hair.
Melbourne Boomers' US import Tiffany Mitchell, 27, was told she'd never play in the WNBA until she put her long braids into a bun to stop them flicking into rivals' faces.
But the rule Basketball Australia cited has been axed by the sport's international body - and should have gotten the chop in Australia too.
Team-mates took the knee in protest against the 'racist' veto before their game on Saturday after Basketball Australia admitted the mistake and scrapped the edict.
American hoops star Tiffany Mitchell has lashed out at Basketball Australia for 'clear racial discrimination' after she was ordered to tie up her braided hair (pictured)
'This post will be uncomfortable for some to read and inspiring for others to read,' said Mitchell on Instagram. 'Throughout my first month here in Australia I had little to none problems.
'Until this past week I was met with a situation that was clear racial discrimination.
'I've played all around the world, in every top league at the highest level and my braids has never been an issue.
'I was approached about my hair, and [told] that for the start of the regular season, I wouldn't be able to play if I didn't tie my hair up or wear it in a bun.
'It's clear only the black people in this league has these type of braids.'
Melbourne Boomers' US import Mitchell, 27, (pictured) was told she would be banned unless she put her long braids into a bun to prevent them flicking into rivals' faces
Basketball Australia sent out an email (pictured) to the general managers of all WNBL and NBL clubs advising of the ban before later reversing the decision
She said the ruling had affected her in their WNBL match against Southside Flyers on Saturday, despite winning 91-74, with Mitchell already the team's top scorer.
'You can clearly see the pain I was still carrying - how are you enforcing a rule that isn't even a rule any more?' Mitchell, who joined the
