NBL commentator slammed for ‘culturally insensitive’ remarks about Cairns Taipans star Keanu Pinder

A former Opals star and NBL commentator has apologised to Cairns Taipans participant Keanu Pinder after being referred to as out for making a ‘disrespectful’ remark about the mixed-race rising star.

Cairns Taipans coach Adam Forde raised the matter in his post-game press convention, calling out the commentary of basketball nice Jenni Screen for a mistake when describing the proficient 27-year-old.

Forde did not identify Screen personally, however mentioned his participant was ‘minimize’ by the ‘disrespectful’ phrases.

Former Opals star and NBL commentator Jenni Screen has apologised to Cairns Taipans participant Keanu Pinder (pictured) after being referred to as out for making a ‘disrespectful’ remark about the mixed-race rising star. Pinder was apparently ‘upset’ by the remarks

Commentator Jenni Screen (pictured) remarked that Pinder was from the Torres Strait, when actually he is the son of Indigenous girl Tracey Smith and Perth Wildcats legend Nate ‘Tiny’ Pinder, who was born within the Bahamas

During the conflict between the Taipans and South East Melbourne, Screen mentioned of Pinder: ‘Just keep in mind the place he is from, Torres Strait Islands, hasn’t had the upbringing that we might have had right here within the different areas and Danny Morseu’s labored so much with him,’ 

‘It’s going to take time with somebody of his calibre after which including (to) the Boomers lineup that he received this 12 months in… the Asia Cup, that solely provides to him getting some management.’

However, Pinder just isn’t from the Torres Strait. He grew up in Derby within the Kimberley area of Western Australia. 

He’s the son of Indigenous girl Tracey Smith and Perth Wildcats legend Nate ‘Tiny’ Pinder, who was born within the Bahamas.

Cairns Taipans Head Coach Adam Forde (pictured) raised the matter in his post-game press convention and referred to as it ‘disrespectful’ to his participant and his household

‘Tonight, (there was) a point out of Keanu’s background and it was extremely incorrect and it is slightly disrespectful to him and his household,’ Forde mentioned after the sport.

‘I’m not attempting to throw barbs at anybody, you’ll be able to write us off, that is advantageous, I get that, it is all good, (however) simply Google search, man.

‘Just lookup the place these guys are from whenever you begin.

‘It was disappointing. Keanu had an awesome sport and it cuts him a little bit bit, so I felt like I wanted to try this for him and his household.

‘He’s upset.’

Screen issued an apology afterwards throughout the name of Perth’s conflict with Illawarra.

Voted NBL’s most improved participant, six double-doubles within the books and a Gold Medal with the Boomers at FIBA’s Asia Cup, Keanu Pinder (pictured) is an thrilling participant on the rise

‘Earlier tonight I mentioned one thing culturally insensitive about Keanu Pinder, which I’d prefer to right and apologise unreservedly for,’ Screen mentioned.

‘I mentioned Keanu was from the Torres Strait, when actually he’s a proud Aboriginal man from Derby and somebody who loves representing his household and group.

‘To Keanu and his household and anybody I offended in saying what I mentioned, I’m deeply sorry and I acknowledge I made a mistake

‘I have to be higher and once more, I apologise for the offence I induced.

‘I’ve the utmost respect for Keanu and what he is achieved as an individual and as a participant.’

Pinder led Cairns to an 85-76 victory over the Phoenix with 19 factors and eight rebounds in Saturday’s conflict. Cairns have now recorded again to again wins to begin the NBL season

Cairns got here again from 10 factors down within the fourth quarter to defeat South East Melbourne 85-76 and document back-to-back wins to open a brand new NBL season for the primary time since 2017/18.

The Phoenix led 69-59 early within the remaining interval of Saturday’s conflict at John Cain Arena however their hopes of a second residence victory have been left in tatters because the guests outscored them 26-7 within the stretch.

Keanu Pinder (19 factors, eight rebounds) and new import DJ Hogg (18 factors, eight rebounds) every performed pivotal roles for the Taipans of their late surge, as did guard combo Tahjere McCall and Shannon Scott (15 factors apiece).