Zero tolerance: If Titans are found guilty, ban them for life

Roar Rookie

5th March, 2015

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Dave Taylor has officially signed with the Canberra Raiders. (AAP Image/ Action Photographics, Colin Whelan)

Noel Christoffel new author

Roar Rookie

5th March, 2015

The scandal at the Gold Coast Titans is a double-edged sword, with the NRL being gifted the perfect opportunity to send the message that enough is enough.

This latest black eye for the great game will see players in court due to their alleged involvement with illicit substances.

Everyone is innocent until proven guilty, but should any of the listed players be convicted, then the best action the NRL can take is to start tearing up contracts without fear nor favour.

I couldn’t think of a stronger message than a high-profile representative player receiving a life ban for drug involvement, rather than just the lesser established players being made scapegoats.

Unfortunately for rugby league fans, we all know this will not happen. The NRL has already set the precedent by allowing convicted criminals like Danny Wicks back into the fold.

Sure he served his time, but if you owned a business and a convicted drug trafficker applied for a position, would you employ him? I wouldn’t. Best of luck with your future endeavours, whatever they may be, but they won’t be with my organisation.

I implore the NRL, please do not look this gift horse in the mouth once again. Let’s send a message to the players that behaviour such as this will not be tolerated. Let’s preach and stand by a zero-tolerance policy.

This is the only way we can clean up a game which seems hellbent on self-destruction.

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