Forde defended after “violent assault”

The Cairns Taipans have released a strong statement supporting coach Adam Forde after an ugly off-court altercation with Brisbane star Aron Baynes.

Forde was cleared of any wrongdoing by the NBL tribunal, while a five-game ban was handed down to Baynes for what the Taipans have labelled a “violent assault”.

In a sign the drama is far from over for Baynes and the Bullets, the Taipans have flagged pending legal action.

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

“The combined audio-visual evidence undeniably captures the manner and extent of Mr Baynes’ aggressive confrontation and violent assault on Coach Forde, as upheld by the tribunal.

“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.”

The full statement read as follows:

The CQUniversity Cairns Taipans acknowledge the NBL tribunal's conclusive determination that Head Coach Adam Forde has no case to answer regarding Aron Baynes. This outcome follows the tribunal’s thorough investigation into the allegations, conducted with absolute professionalism and fairness, especially given the challenges presented by our overseas engagements. 

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.

To set the public record straight, the club would like to clarify:

Coach Forde was positioned outside the Cairns Taipans' locker room, not the Bullets' locker room, awaiting delayed halftime details from his assistant coaches.

The combined audio-visual evidence undeniably captures the manner and extent of Mr Baynes' aggressive confrontation and violent assault on Coach Forde, as upheld by the tribunal.

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.