JackJumpers to wear jerseys with Pride in MyState showdown

The JackJumpers have taken a stand for the LGBTQIA community as they head into the Pride Round at MyState Bank Arena.

Josh Magette of the JackJumpers drives up court under pressure from Sam Waardenburg of the Taipans. Taipans team members refused to wear a jersey to mark Pride Round earlier this week. Photo by Emily Barker/Getty Images

THE JackJumpers will take a stand for the Tasmanian LGBTQIA community when they hit the court at MyState Bank Arena tonight.

That’s despite controversy over the move to display the Champion Pride Progress flag logo on courts and jerseys during the round.

The move by the NBL to introduce a Pride Round into the 22/23 season hit a snag when players from the Cairns Taipans voiced concerns about the move due to the religious beliefs.

On Wednesday night NBL boss and owner Larry Kestelman released a statement regarding the issue.

The Champion Pride Progress flag logo is seen ahead of NBL inaugural Pride Round during the round 17 NBL match between South East Melbourne Phoenix and Cairns Taipans.

“The NBL acknowledges the overwhelming amount of support we have received following the launch of our inaugural Pride Round, and will continue to create a place where all people feel safe and can be themselves, with no judgment,” Mr Kestelman said.

“This means having important conversations about diversity and inclusion and making sure we continue to work together from a position of love, care and support.”

Larry Kestelman, CEO of the NBL release a statement revealing that the jersey was not mandated. Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

He then went on to say that he was aware of people in the community with different views.

“Hence we have not mandated that our players have to wear the Pride jersey and if any player or team elects not to wear the jersey, we will respect that decision,” he said.

A JackJumpers spokesman said the Tasmanian side would still wear the jersey.

“The JackJumpers continue to champion and celebrate inclusion and diversity,” he said.

“We are the team for all Tasmanians and strive to provide a place where everyone can belong and feel safe to be themselves.”

Equality Tasmania President Rodney Croome welcomed the move.

Rodney Croome from Equality Tasmania has welcomed the move from JackJumpers.

“It’s great to see the JackJumpers showing support for LGBTIQA+ equality and inclusion,” Mr Croome said.

“The most positive impact will be on those young Tasmanian LGBTIQA+ people who play sport, or aspire to, but fear exclusion if they are out.

“The positive message from the JackJumpers is even stronger given the NBL has just made wearing pride singlets voluntary.”

Originally published as JackJumpers to wear jerseys with Pride in MyState showdown