Taipans coach refuses to discuss potential code of conduct breach

Star guard Rob Edwards is under investigation but the Cairns Taipans coach is staying tight-lipped. Here’s what we know about the post-match incident following the Taipans’ record loss to Melbourne United. Watch the video.

Forget about asking Adam Forde what his star guard Rob Edwards said or did in the aftermath of Cairns Taipans’ record loss to Melbourne United at the weekend.

Cairns defence was open in the 106-63 loss but Forde’s lips are sealed with the Taipans coach refusing to discuss what happened in the tunnel post-match.

“I don’t know it’s all under … BA (Basketball Australia) is dealing with it,” Forde said in response to questions posed by this masthead.

“I can’t say anything.

“The reality is whatever you say, I’m going to get fined.

“No matter what scale my response is from super light to aggressive I’m going to get fined.

“I’ve been around doing this for 14 years … there’s no comment but I appreciate it.”

Sunday’s defeat extended the Taipans winless streak to five matches with Edwards fouling out after having spend just 20 minutes on the court.

Melbourne United’s Flynn Cameron reacts after being fouled by Rob Edwards of the Taipans. Picture: Getty Images.

Edwards was in trouble early committing a heavy foul on a driving Flynn Cameron which was ruled an unsportsmanlike foul.

He finished the first quarter with two fouls, two turnovers and no points and things did not really improve from there.

One of the league’s most prolific scorers, Edwards fouled out of the game scoring just five points and committing three turnovers.

While Edwards post-match efforts were off the table, Forde was willing to discuss the trials and tribulations his guard battles with the ball in hand.

Cairns Taipans import player Rob Edwards trains at Cairns Basketball. Picture: Brendan Radke

Cairns Taipans player Sam Waardenburg at the team's training session. Picture: Brendan Radke

Despite being heavily undermanned Forde said his side needs to ‘help’ Edwards and teammate Sam Waardenburg.

“They (opposition teams) straight target Rob,” Forde said.

“They’re physical with Rob, they’re holding Rob and Rob is getting frustrated.

“We need to get Rob more help and there is a similar situation with Waardenburg.

“There is a lot of calls that seem excessive especially when he’s airborne – we don’t always get the benefit of the whistle which is what it is and that’s not something we are on about right now.

“But you have two guys right now that are probably the key pieces to what our offence and defence is and when they are suffocated we need someone else to step up.”

In a statement released earlier this week Basketball Australia confirmed it is investigating a potential code of conduct breach stemming from the game on Sunday, October 27.

“Basketball Australia is investigating a potential breach of the Code of Conduct for Elite Participants by Cairns Taipans player Rob Edwards for an incident that occurred post-match of the Melbourne United fixture on Sunday, 27 October. As the investigation is in process no further comment will be provided by BA, NBL or the Cairns Taipans at this stage.”

Originally published as Taipans coach refuses to discuss potential code of conduct breach