Like many other league supporters, I am appalled by the disgusting anti-social behaviour of some of the elite footballers.
I know that there are always two sides to most stories that hit the media headlines, but where there is smoke there is fire, especially when a player keeps making the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Many people are calling for a prohibition on alcohol, but this will never work. It will go underground just like it did in America almost 80 years ago.
Give these footballers some credit: there are only a few damaging the image, and they need targeting.
My suggestion is that if a professional footballer is found (by his club and NRL) to be ‘behaving badly’ (drunk and disorderly, assault, sexual assault, drink driving, and so on), they should have their pay cut for at least two years back to the level of a non-professional, non-trade, unskilled level of pay: $40,000 per annum.
The club then has the option of keeping them on at this level of pay, or letting them go to another club, who is only allowed to pay them at this reduced rate for a minimum of two years.
In addition, the NRL should ban them from all representative football (Australian tests and State of Origin) for a minimum of two years from the date of the offence.
The NRL has a duty of care to all people who watch their game to display professionals, and not promote football players who display anti-social behaviour.
Obviously, there would need to be due process for this punishment to be appealed.
I am sure if something like the above was brought in, professional football players would think twice about their behaviour.
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March 11th 2009 @ 3:57pm
Nug said | March 11th 2009 @ 3:57pm | Report comment
Let’s face it, elite sportsmen and sportswomen are paid far too much. Because they have huge contracts, they think they are real celebrities and should be given preferential treatment. But they forget they are subject to the law just the same as everyone else. The punishment should fit the crime however and I totally agree with Leonie in that their salary should be reduced drastically to teach them a lesson. Also, if they are found guilty of a criminal offence, they shouls go to jail and their contract should be torn up.
March 14th 2009 @ 9:00pm
Davido said | March 14th 2009 @ 9:00pm | Report comment
Ha ha ha..
Love to tell all Simmo but that would get me in big trouble. Lets just say – think of the worst (or best if you like) bucks night youve ever been to or heard of and double that.