Josh Harrelson, a 6-foot-10 former NBA center playing for the Saga Ballooners in Japan's B.League, has been suspended for two months for engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a team fan and other violations. The punishment also includes community service, but many argue that it barely affects his career, as it occurs during the off-season.
The Ballooners compete in the B1 division, the top level of the league. Harrelson, who weighs 275 pounds, has built a reputation as a rebounding and shot-blocking force. His career began in the NBA, later taking him to China, and since 2016, he has been a fixture in Japan's basketball scene.
In 2023, Harrelson became a Japanese citizen. The following year, he made his debut for the national team against Guam, recording 32 minutes, 11 points, and a massive 21 rebounds. Head coach Tom Hovaas praised his consistency, saying the performance showed what he brings to the court.
According to sports journalists, Harrelson missed nearly half of last season due to injury, but entered this year as a veteran player expected to lead the way. Fans and coaches had high expectations for his return.
Harrelson often posts photos with his wife and children on social media. His X‘s bio even reads, "Family over everything." However, while his family resides in the US, he trains alone at Saga, and his personal life has now intersected with his public image.
The report revealed two violations: a relationship with a fan and sending explicit videos. Harrelson has accepted both. The team responded with a suspension and mandatory social service from July 22 to September 22. Critics say the time means he will not miss any official games, raising questions about how severe the punishment really is.
The woman involved, a single office worker from Kyushu, came forward to Flash magazine. She said that she regretted the relationship and felt that Harrelson took advantage of her goodwill. She also criticized the club for what she sees as a mild reaction.
She said that he had messaged her for the first time in December 2023. She responded immediately, exchanged LINE contacts, and later invited him to dinner. He denied it several times, but by May 202,4, he started sending explicit videos and asking for similar responses. In August, after returning to Japan, she called him to her home under the pretense of needing massage therapy for an injury. Eventually, she agreed to meet, and they had a one-on-one meeting. In retrospect, he described the decision as "stupid" and said he deeply regretted it.
Atr, his contact was lost. She recalled that he had hinted at divorce before the incident, but he barely sent any messages afterwards. When he returned from injury in March 2025, she congratulated him and asked if he wanted to finish things off. His answer was: They would meet only outside, never at his house.
He also questioned the impact of the punishment. At a public event at Saga on September 2, Harrelson appeared cheerful, smiling as if nothing had happened. He said this made him doubt the seriousness of the suspension. He said he had mentioned looking for "casual partners" in Saga, and he hoped the stricter measures would prevent other fans from facing similar situations. However, the team has said it will not release further details.
Saga Ballooners responded that they had confirmed the facts and taken necessary action, but declined to share details, citing confidentiality. He confirmed there were no plans to make disciplinary details public.
