The Cairns Taipans have rocked the NBL’s inaugural pleasure spherical, citing “abuse and harmful commentary” directed at some gamers as the rationale for pulling out of plans to put on themed uniforms for the event.
Earlier this week a number of Taipans gamers reportedly voiced considerations about carrying a rainbow emblem on their jerseys because of their non secular beliefs.
The membership launched an announcement earlier than Wednesday night time’s tip-off in opposition to South East Melbourne Phoenix, declaring it will “opt out” of the uniform initiative.
“Some of us have LGBTIQA+ people in our families and want nothing more than to represent them in a positive and spirited way,” the assertion mentioned.
“This initiative should be a celebration, however, our team has already been subjected to a barrage of abuse and harmful commentary that has led to individuals being targeted and shamed.
“This is a detrimental distraction to what ought to be a constructive expertise throughout the sport, and now we really feel as if our solely selection as a crew is to collectively decide out of this season’s uniforms.
“This is not a reflection of our individual stances or personal views, but a protection of our brothers that are being set up to be vilified and no longer feel as though they have a safe space in our sport.
“Positive change requires constructive motion, and we imagine we will champion totally different individuals and teams in our society with out persecuting others within the course of.
“We hope everyone finds it in their hearts to understand.”
The assertion was signed by the Taipans squad.
The NBL was supportive of Cairns’ resolution, declaring it will not drive gamers or groups to put on pleasure spherical jerseys.
“The NBL fully respects and understands that there may be people in the community with different views to those being conveyed through the Champion Pride Round,” league boss Larry Kestelman mentioned.
“Hence we have not mandated that our players have to wear the Pride jersey and if any player or team elect not to wear the jersey, we will respect that decision.”
The drama has unfolded simply two months after Melbourne United centre Isaac Humphries turned the primary overtly homosexual lively participant in NBL historical past.
Humphries applauded the league’s resolution to host a pleasure spherical for the primary time this season, saying “it is another step towards the league and basketball becoming a more comfortable and welcoming environment”.
The Taipans scenario is just like that which unfolded at NRL membership Manly, who confronted resistance from members of their enjoying group after introducing an inclusion jersey final season with out participant session.
