The Cairns Taipans of Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL) find themselves embroiled in controversy after the arrest of guard Jackson Makoi on assault and choking charges. The 24-year-old South Sudanese player, who also represented his home country at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has been suspended by the Taipans as he prepares to fight the serious allegations stemming from a November 2023 domestic violence incident.
Makoi Arrested, Suspended After Domestic Violence Allegations Surface
Makoi was taken into custody by police at the Taipans’ team hotel on Saturday, with the NBL quickly moving to suspend him from all team activities pending the outcome of legal proceedings. In a statement, the Taipans emphasized they are taking the allegations very seriously:
“The club is taking these allegations very seriously and will provide no comment while the investigation is ongoing.”
– Cairns Taipans official statement
On Wednesday, Makoi formally denied the charges of common assault and choking without consent in Blacktown Local Court in Sydney. The allegations date back to an incident on November 11, 2023, when Makoi was still under contract with the Sydney Kings. He will now face a hearing on April 1 to determine his legal fate.
Promising Career Now in Jeopardy
The domestic violence case has cast a shadow over Makoi’s burgeoning professional career. After excelling in his native South Sudan and playing a key role in their Olympic campaign, Makoi earned his big break with the Kings in 2022. He showed flashes of promise in limited minutes during the Kings’ NBL championship run last season before suffering a torn ACL that sidelined him for the Finals.
Makoi had hoped to rebound with a fresh start in Cairns this season, but has struggled to gain traction, averaging just 4.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists over 11 games. With his one-year contract set to expire and the Taipans likely to miss the playoffs with a 4-17 record, Makoi’s basketball future is now very much uncertain as his legal issues take center stage.
Taipans’ Trying Season Continues
For the Taipans, Makoi’s suspension is yet another blow in a frustrating 2024-25 campaign. The proud club has managed just four wins and will need a miraculous late surge to avoid missing the NBL postseason. With only seven games remaining, starting with a matchup against the Tasmania JackJumpers on February 8, the Taipans may be forced to finish the year without their troubled reserve guard.
It remains to be seen how the organization will handle Makoi’s contract situation and whether they will retain the young player if he is cleared of wrongdoing. For now, though, the focus is squarely on the serious accusations Makoi faces and allowing the legal process to play out.
Domestic Violence a Continuing Concern in Sports
Unfortunately, the Makoi case is just the latest in a long line of domestic violence incidents involving professional athletes. From the NFL to the NBA and beyond, leagues have struggled to properly address and discipline players accused of abusing partners and family members.
While the NBL acted swiftly to suspend Makoi, it will face pressure to take strong action if he is found guilty. Failure to do so would send a troubling message and reinforce the notion that sports organizations are not doing enough to hold athletes accountable for unacceptable off-court conduct.
As the basketball world awaits resolution in the Jackson Makoi domestic violence case, the Taipans and NBL must grapple with difficult questions about the player’s future and the league’s responsibility to take a hard stance against all forms of abuse. The coming weeks and months will determine whether Makoi can salvage his career or if this troubling incident will mark a premature end to his professional journey.
