NBL: ’Player’s choice’: Taipans call for Pride logo fix to stop
The Taipans have called for the focus on which players are and aren’t wearing the rainbow logo on their uniform to stop as Cairns’ celebrates the NBL’s Pride Round with a huge derby clash against the Bullets.
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Taipans CEO Mark Beecroft has called for the focus on which players are and aren’t wearing the rainbow Champion logo on their uniform to stop as Cairns prepares to celebrate the NBL’s Pride Round with a huge derby clash against the Bullets.
The club was placed in the crosshairs last season when it was revealed some players did not feel comfortable wearing the rainbow logo on their uniforms due to cultural or religious reasons.
After days of intense scrutiny, the players opted to not wear the rainbow logo to protect the individuals, as part of a “one-in, all-in” approach to protect their teammates.
What was lost was how the Taipans embraced every other aspect of Pride Round, from gameday activations and entertainment, cheerleaders and Joe Blake wearing rainbow, and the educational aspects.
A handful of players from both the Taipans and Illawarra opted out of wearing the rainbow logo in Thursday’s gripping clash at Wollongong, but Beecroft said uncovering who did and did not wear the rainbow logo should not be the focus of this round at all.
“The uniforms are a very small part of what Pride Round should be about,” Beecroft said. “Media need to move the focus away from what the players are wearing.
“The club is actually approaching it exactly the same this time around – it was the players’ choice last year, and it is the players’ choice this year.”
When asked how the club ensured those who did not want to wear the logo were comfortable in that choice, Beecroft said the club had taken proactive steps.
“That’s a good question, because the one-in, all-in approach last season was instigated because some players did not feel protected or comfortable,” Beecroft said.
“The club has been proactive in taking measures and providing resources to ensure that they felt safe participating.”
Cairns and the Bullets enter Sunday’s clash in the top six and fighting for spots in the NBL play-offs. Tip-off 3pm.
ORANGE ARMY EMBRACES RAINBOW
The orange sea which usually fills the Cairns Convention Centre will have a dash more colour on Sunday for the second NBL Pride Round.
The Taipans’ play-offs hopes will be on the line when they host Brisbane, but it will also be a celebration to embrace the community.
Cheerleaders will swap the orange for rainbow-themed outfits and perform to a carefully curated playlist.
LGBTQ networks across Queensland Public Service, including health, primary industries, justice and education have also been invited to attend the game.
Taipans CEO Mark Beecroft said a partnership with Pride in Sport helped the club navigate what was, at times, a contentious social issue.
“They understand the landscape that we are working in and have supported us as we navigate through it,” Beecroft said.
TAIPANS’ PROUD PARTNERSHIP
Cairns Taipans have announced a partnership with Pride in Sport just hours before they take the floor for the NBL Pride Round clash with the Hawks in Wollongong.
The Taipans will support and embrace the round, with Champion’s Pride Progress flag x ‘C’ logo to feature on the Cairns Convention Centre floor for its home game against the Bullets on Sunday.
The club will again also celebrate the NBL’s initiative throughout their “activations and content” at the game, with a number of LGBTQ groups also invited to attend.
But the club did not, and will not, confirm whether or not players would wear the rainbow-themed Champion logo on their uniforms for the crucial clash, which could play a major role in their pursuit of a top six finish in the league.
The Taipans made headlines last season after the playing group collectively made the decision to not wear uniforms with the rainbow Champion logo.
That decision was based on a “one-in, all-in” approach to protect players who did not feel comfortable wearing the rainbow insignia for cultural or religious reasons.
Sydney Kings big man Tim Soares also opted out of the jersey, to much less fanfare.
The club and its members have fully embraced the initiative, with the Pride in Sport partnership the next step in “education and training around LGBTQ inclusion”.
Pride in Sport National Program Manager Beau Newell described the Taipans’ move to engage the organisation as “proactive”.
“The Cairns Taipans have embarked on a journey towards greater inclusion within their club for people with diverse sexualities and genders,” Newell said.
“This proactive step to become a member of Pride in Sport reflects their sincere commitment to fostering inclusivity among staff and fans alike.
“This partnership will enable the organisation to receive year-round guidance and support in implementing evidence-informed practices aimed at enhancing their inclusive efforts.”
Players, coaches, and staff have also had “Empowering Allies” sessions with Pride in Sport representatives as part of the league’s second NBL Pride round.
Taipans President Troy Stone said the club looked forward to any opportunity that “celebrates the diversity in our community in a respectful way”.
“Once again, the club will be participating in and supporting the NBL’s Pride Round,” Stone said.
“We look forward to any opportunity that celebrates the diversity in our community in a respectful way.
“The club has been in regular communication with Pride in Sport since the NBL introduced this initiative and we are really pleased to partner with another community-focused, not-for-profit organisation.
“We appreciate the support and guidance Pride in Sport have provided us.”
matthew.mcinerney1@news.com.au
Originally published as NBL: ’Player’s choice’: Taipans call for Pride logo fix to stop
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