SlamBall coaches exchange words as hard-hitting basketball returns to forefront

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SlamBall is back and maybe better than ever.

In case you've forgotten what the heck SlamBall is, it's a form of basketball played with trampolines underneath the baskets with a bit of football mixed it.

It was played sporadically in the early 2000s, with business ceasing on two occasions in the United States – they tried two seasons in China in 2012 and 2016 as well. 

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Steven Julian of Wrath blocks Keith McGee of Ozone at the Cox Pavilion on July 22, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Ian Maule/Getty Images for SlamBall)

However, it was announced last year that the sport would return to the USA after a 15-year absence, and its fifth inaugural season began on Friday, with games seen on ESPN's networks.

The game has no foul shots – rather, it's a one-on-one underneath the rim. So as one might imagine, emotions could run high rather quickly.

Saturday's main event between the Ozone and Wrath got testy. Remember, they wear pads and head protection because you can tackle each other and make some pretty hard contact on slam dunks – it is called SlamBall, after all.

Donavin Byrd, front, of Ozone collides with Nick Parks of Wrath at the Cox Pavilion on July 22, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Ian Maule/Getty Images for SlamBall)

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But the head coaches took exception to what went on, so Trevor Anderson of the Ozone, and James Willis of the Wrath, got in each other's faces before being separated by a referee and their respective players.

"This is SlamBall, let's go!" one announcer said.

"This is what we came to see. Let them