A RACISM row is at the heart of the crisis that has left Worcester Wolves in chaos.

The British Basketball League club saw head coach Chuck Evans quit last week after he was disciplined over alleged racist remarks made in a post-match analysis session following the Cheshire Jets game on November.

The incident also saw several players go on an unauthorised strike over the way they felt the club handled the matter.

The strike prompted Wolves to sack Evaldas Zabas, Vidmantas Uzkuraitis, Nerijus Karlikanovas, Randy George and Chey Christie as well as bringing disciplinary action against former player-coach Skouson Harker.

Wolves chairman Roger Clarke would not comment on what was said in that post-match meeting except to say “inappropriate comments” were made by Evans.

But the departed head coach told the Worcester News: “If you look at the make-up of our team, it is very European in terms of colour.

“I am colour blind — I recruit guys who can play basketball. On one occasion I used words that imply I am a racist, which is not true. I was wrong for my comments and regret the incident ever happened.

“I resigned to protect the integrity of the club and I will now fly back to America to be with my wife, who is white, and my son.”

The Wolves chairman added: “Chuck apologised to the players and the individuals concerned as he realised he had done wrong.

“The players did not think that was enough and refused to play in our next fixture — despite the importance of the game — and took strike action.

“Chuck was very remorseful for his inappropriate comments. There are no winners when this happens.”

The University of Worcester-based side have now begun searching for new players to line-up with Siman Stewart, Roy Owen, Damian Cope and Harry Disy.

Clarke is hopeful that Wolves will be back to full strength in two to three weeks with an American point-guard expected to arrive at the club soon.

“There is no danger of Wolves pulling out of the BBL, they have given us their total support,” Clarke said. “In two to three weeks we should be back in business.

“We are in contact with several players and will be holding trials to get ourselves back to full strength.”

The Wolves chairman is also hopeful that they will have a new head coach in place soon.

“We have already had a number of people contact us over the coach’s position,” Clarke added.

“We are always on the look- out for players and even coaches, so hopefully it won’t be long before we have some good news to report.”