IN 10 years of existence Taipans have no regular locally developed player in the starting 5.Last year 4 of the regular starting five were not even Australian born,3 Americans and 1 New Zealand.Instead of spending the money on imports develop local players ,Cairns Marlins have 4 who could play, they might lose heavily at first but who can tell in a year
Taipans sack US import
Saturday, September 18, 2010
© The Cairns Post
THE Cairns Taipans yesterday axed American import Arizona Reid just weeks before the start of the new National Basketball League season after he was charged with drink-driving.
With sports stars including AFL’s Brendan Fevola, the NRL’s Johnathan Thurston and soccer’s Craig Moore hitting the headlines for alleged misbehaviour or drink-related trouble, the reaction by the Taipans ranks as one of the swiftest and strongest in Australian sport.
In a statement issued last night, the club said Reid was charged with a low-level drink-driving offence early last Saturday morning.
Taipans president Denis Donaghy said the board had taken a tough stance over the issue because they took their responsibilities as a community club seriously.
“This was a very tough decision for the board to make,” Mr Donaghy said.
“Arizona is a terrific person and a very good player, but our players know that they have to be role models in our community and obey the law at all times.”
Mr Donaghy acknowledged there had been other instances in the past where Taipans players were not sacked over drink-driving charges, but said that was when the club was a privately-owned.
Mr Donaghy said the club would support Reid when he faced court.
The club is trying to find a replacement in time for the pre-season tournament in Darwin at the end of the month.
The Taipans’ NBL season starts away to Townsville on October 16 with their first home game against Adelaide on
October 23
RAJ REPORT 
September 18, 2010 at 9:13 am
I miss Rod Popp – he was a great bloke. His wife Milly worked in Special Education, a lovely woman.
Rob.