Cairns Taipans back coach Adam Forde over ‘defamatory’ attacks following Aron Baynes tunnel blow-up

The Taipans have thrown their support behind coach Adam Forde, who continues to face ‘defamatory’ assertions despite being cleared of any wrong doing in the tunnel blow-up.

Cairns Taipans say it’s “deeply regrettable” that coach Adam Forde continues to face “unfounded” and “defamatory” assertions aimed at his character despite being cleared of any wrongdoing for his involvement in a halftime physical altercation with Brisbane big man Aron Baynes.

The Taipans released a statement on Thursday to clarify the club’s position in which they said there remained “some swayed by selectively leaked footage who are unwilling to accept the tribunal’s decision”.

Forde will face no sanction but Baynes has been suspended for five games, including three for verbally instigating and physically pushing the Cairns coach into a wall.

The Cairns Taipans have thrown their support behind coach Adam Forde, who they claim continues to face “defamatory” assertions despite being cleared of any wrong doing in the tunnel blow-up. Picture: Getty Images

The Taipans will “contemplate appropriate legal recourse” and have backed coach Forde because they say the audio and video conclusively clear their coach.

“The combined audiovisual evidence undeniably captures the manner and extent of Mr Baynes’ aggressive confrontation and violent assault on coach Forde, as upheld by the tribunal,” the Taipans statement said.

“The Cairns Taipans respectfully acknowledge Mr Baynes’ public apology and the decision by the Brisbane Bullets to accept the outcome by withdrawing their appeal.

“However, it is unfortunate that despite the tribunal‘s outcome, which included comprehensive audio, video and credible witness testimony, there remain some swayed by selectively leaked footage who are unwilling to accept the tribunal’s decision.

“It is deeply regrettable that coach Forde is now having to face unfounded and defamatory assertions that unjustly attack his personal and professional character and integrity.”

Leaked video footage shows Brisbane Bullets star Aron Baynes pushing Cairns coach Adam Forde.

The Taipans also said that coach Forde was waiting in the tunnel for his assistant coaches to deliver the halftime stats.

“Coach Forde was positioned outside the Cairns Taipans’ locker room, not the Bullets’ locker room, awaiting delayed halftime details from his assistant coaches,” the statement said.

“Neither the Cairns Taipans nor coach Forde will be issuing further comments about the assault and subsequent publications at this juncture, as we contemplate appropriate legal recourse.

“In the meantime, the club thanks the fans for their continued understanding and support, as attention returns to the continuation of the season.”

It's the footage they didn't want you to see. But thank goodness we did, says @ShaneHeal

Full Ep - https://t.co/m5SxXpW6sO@mattlogue7@codesportsau@cmail_sport@codebballau@telegraph_sportpic.twitter.com/6PVyqfbPLw

— The Basketball Show 🇦🇺 (@BasketballAu) October 19, 2023

NBL legend Shane Heal defended Forde on this week’s Basketball Show amid claims the Cairns mentor should have received a sanction based on the leaked CCTV footage of the physical altercation with Baynes.

Heal also called out the Bullets’ senior basketball adviser Stu Lash for saying Forde had instigated the confrontation by waiting outside Brisbane’s locker room and he should have faced “multiple-game suspensions”.

“If you just listened to Stu Lash, you would think something totally different happened,” Heal said.

“These are the facts and I’m unbelievably surprised that the NBL only gave a little slap on the wrist to a member of the Bullets.

“Because there was no doubt that him contacting ESPN and making those comments, he was trying to change the narrative and the thoughts of the public before it went to the tribunal.

“It shouldn’t happen and credit to Adam Forde, he was a professional all the way along.

“He had to hold his tongue when he knew the allegations against him were incorrect. He went to the tribunal and he came out scot-free.”

Originally published as Cairns Taipans back coach Adam Forde over ‘defamatory’ attacks following Aron Baynes tunnel blow-up