The duo were involved in an altercation late in Saturday's victory over the Kings.

The melee was sparked by a Froling block on Angus Glover, who appeared to lash out at Froling following the block. The former Hawk was ejected and has also been cited along with Sydney's Xavier Cooks.

Read more: Vote in the Illawarra Mercury's sportsperson of the year award

Jessup rushed in to support his teammate and was handed an unsportsmanlike foul by the referees.

Star import Antonius Cleveland backed Jessup and Froling's actions and said he wouldn't hesitate to support another Illawarra player.

"The game was pretty much over, so when Sam blocked him, I turned to the fans and let some emotion out," Cleveland said. "So I didn't really see what happened and when I turned around it was just a scuffle.

"When I watched the replay, JJ did the right thing. I wished that I did see it because we've got to have each other's back. We're not going to do anything dirty, we respect the game and respect opponents, but you're not going to punk us.

"I love what JJ did and having a teammate's back. I feel like that's just second nature for this team, we're going to have each other's back, we've spent too much time with each other now."

The incident came on a spiteful weekend of NBL action. South-East Melbourne's win over Melbourne United was marred by an ugly melee that saw players from both sides rushing in.

The incident came after a monster Mitch Creek dunk on Matthew Dellavedova, with United's Mason Peatling taking exception to Creek's post-dunk celebration.

Video of the incident has been viewed more than 10 million times and has been heavily promoted on the NBL's social media accounts.

Six players and coaches were cited for their roles in the scuffle. All charged by the Game Review Panel this week were required to lodge a submission to the NBL in response to the charges.

Officials at the Hawks are working with the league, with fines the likely outcome.

"The Illawarra Hawks have been made aware Sam Froling and Justinian Jessup have been cited by the NBL's Game Review Panel following Saturday's win against the Sydney Kings," the club said in a statement.

"We are cooperating with the NBL through this process and will make no more comment on the matter at this time."

The incidents across the weekend have attracted international attention and Cleveland has watched the reaction with interest.

Experiencing his first taste of NBL action this season, the former NBA player quickly noticed the different ways the two leagues handle both on and off-court incidents.

"I didn't know you could get away with so much stuff," Cleveland said. "Like the (Kings) owner was talking so bad about us, things like that you don't see in the States. If you do, it's a hefty fine.

"A lot of things you can get away with here. What happened to Mitch Creek, he may not get suspended, may not get fined. All that's new to me.

"I love it. As long as we're keeping everyone safe, I like everyone being competitive. That's my kind of party. I want to get in there too, but I don't want to be the one initiating any of it. If it happens, me and my team are ready."