26/03/2003
Riders Statement

Leicester Riders have terminated the contract of American forward Maurice Robinson it was announced today.

Robinson, 29, had previously received both written and verbal warnings as to his conduct, as well as recently being suspended for two weeks for breach of club rules.

"I'm very disappointed that it has come to this," said Chairman Kevin Routledge. "Mo Robinson has shown a complete lack of commitment to the club this season and has acted in an unprofessional manner. Unfortunately, we have been left with no option."

Robinson has not actually played a game for the side since 2nd March.

20/03/2003
Riders host Fans' Forum

The Leicester Riders are to host a Fans' Forum at the end of the season to answer any questions their supporters may have.

The event takes place at the Tiger Bar at Leicester Tigers' Welford Road ground on Monday 7th April at 7.30pm.

"It's been a difficult season for everyone connected with the club," said Chairman Kevin Routledge. "The fans have been as disappointed as I have at the way the season has gone and I see this as an opportunity for them to voice their feelings about the team, the season and the club as a whole.

"Our fans have stuck with us despite the poor results, which is a testament to them and I feel we owe them an opportunity to have their say."

Routledge will be fielding the questions alongside Head Coach Billy Mims.

13/03/2003
More Slam Dunk Smoking Success Rewarded

Slam Dunk Smoking, the hugely successful anti-smoking campaign fronted by the Riders, reaches its climax at the Rocks game for the County schools of Leicestershire.

The programme was so popular amongst City schools that it has been expanded this year into the County. The culmination of the County programme comes just weeks after the end of the City programme and both are set to return next season. The announcement of the overall County winner takes place at the Rocks game.

The winning schools represented at the game are from Limehurst, Garendon, Redmoor, Leysland and Welland Park.

The overall winning school will be announced at half time. They will be presented with prizes and a plaque presented by Billy Mims and David Knaggs, Vice Chair of Leicestershire County Council.

10/03/2003
Riders suspend Robinson and Leak

Leicester Riders have suspended forwards Maurice Robinson and Malcolm Leak for breaches of club discipline.

Robinson has been suspended from all club duties for a two-week period and Leak for seven days, which means that neither player will play any part in Riders' BBL Championship fixture against Scottish Phoenix Mitsubishi Rocks this Thursday (tip-off 7.30pm).

Riders' Head Coach Billy Mims commented, "I am extremely disappointed that we have had to take these actions, but Kevin Routledge and I together felt that we were forced into this decision for the good of the club and all our other players.

"I can assure our fans that the players that wear the blue and orange on Thursday night at Loughborough against the Rocks will take the floor with pride and passion. Many times when a club experiences adversity from within players rise to the challenge and perform with their best basketball. I am hopeful this will be the case on Thursday, because our fans deserve nothing less."

Club owner Kevin Routledge added, "We can not accept a lack of commitment to the club from anybody, so this was the only course of action left to us. It's been a difficult season for everybody, but when the ball goes up on Thursday I know we will see nothing but total commitment and professionalism from Billy and the team."

As well as Thursday's home game against Scottish Rocks, Riders travel to Bletchley on Sunday to play the Milton Keynes Lions (tip-off 4.00pm) and neither Robinson nor Leak will take part in it.