IAN Crosswhite has made a heartfelt apology for the actions that led to him being ejected from the Taipans' fiery NBL match against Townsville.

The Taipans will be at full strength for tomorrow night’s clash against the Gold Coast after Crosswhite and Dwayne Vale escaped suspension at the NBL tribunal yesterday.

New father Crosswhite, who was at the hospital visiting daughter Helena when The Cairns Post contacted him yesterday, said he had volunteered to apologise publicly for his actions.

"I took my frustrations out in the wrong way," the centre said.

"It was not a good example, the officials are there to be
respected.

"I’m sorry to my teammates, I’m sorry for the fans that travelled down (to Townsville for the game) and sorry to the officials."

Vale and Crosswhite, who were both ejected from the Taipans’ game against Townsville last Saturday,
received warnings when they had their cases heard via a phone hook-up yesterday.

Crosswhite, who was ejected 90 seconds into the match after arguing with officials, was charged with disputing decisions/contrary conduct and received both a warning and official reprimand.

He pleaded guilty to the charge, apologised to the
tribunal and committed to a public apology.

NBL judiciary chairman Ken Madsen said in a statement the fact Crosswhite was forced out so early in the match had been taken into account.

"Crosswhite is reprimanded and warned, particularly as he has been to the tribunal previously," Madsen said.

"However, given his early guilty plea and the fact that he sat out virtually an entire game after having been ejected, there is no further penalty imposed."

Taipans chief executive Denis Keeffe earlier this week said the mitigating circumstances involving the birth of Crosswhite’s first child should be taken into account.

His comments prompted a warning because NBL rules prohibit any public comments on pending tribunal charges.

Vale, ejected after an incident with Crocs import Rosell Ellis sparked a brawl, pleaded not guilty to fighting/punching/wrestling.

Ellis pleaded guilty to the same charge and was deemed primarily responsible for the ensuing melee, although Madsen said "it appears beyond doubt that it was as a result of Vale elbowing Ellis that triggered the unacceptable response from Ellis".

Vale was warned but
received no further penalty while Ellis was found to have "engaged in quite unacceptable behaviour" and fined $750.

Crosswhite, who missed the Taipans’ win against the Spirit in Sydney on Wednesday after remaining in Cairns to be with his partner Anna and Helena, realised his actions in Townsville had affected the game.

"That was a big game for us. (As soon as) I went out, it hurt the team," he said.

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