It’s been less than 24 hours since footage emerged of an intoxicated and shirtless Mitchell Pearce simulating a sex act with a dog during an Australia Day party, yet the fallout has already been immense.
The Roosters co-captain has been stood down by his club, and is being investigated by both the club and the NRL’s Integrity Unit.
More Mitchell Pearce:
» Roosters stand down disgraced captain Mitchell Pearce
» Footage emerges of Pearce simulating sex act with a dog
» Sack or suspension: Lewd act to cost Mitchell Pearce dearly
» ‘The vast majority went home, Mitchell should have done the same thing’: Sterlo
» Coverage as the story broke
» Geyer says Pearce “needs to be suspended for 12 months”
Former footy bad boy Mark Geyer suggested Pearce “needs to be suspended for 12 months, get a real job away from football and undergo both counselling and rehab.”
But what are the rest of the footy world saying about Pearce?
Phil Gould, a vocal Pearce supporter at State of Origin level, called for the Blues half to be given support
ASAP .. Act now .. Pearce needs help .. Club needs accountability and to establish credibility .. Game needs closure https://t.co/fBkxrjRCkT
— Phil Gould (@Gus10Gould) January 27, 2016
Gould also said the NRL need not be involved.
Shouldn't need the NRL. This is employer and employee. NRL only steps in if club handles it inadequately. https://t.co/FWKlIpfdcF
— Phil Gould (@Gus10Gould) January 27, 2016
Commentator Andrew Voss reflected on what this incident will be like for the Pearce family – Mitch’s dad Wayne is a rugby league legend, famous teetotaller and NRL Commissioner.
No matter what punishment is given to Pearce,nothing will be greater than the shame & embarrassment he has brought on himself & his family.
— Andrew Voss (@AndrewVossy) January 27, 2016
Some noted that Pearce’s dog antics were hardly the only deplorable aspect of the video.
Seriously, the dog part of the Mitchell Pearce video is the least offensive bit.
— Petra Starke (@petstarr) January 27, 2016
Pearce’s ex-teammate Todd Carney, who was sacked after a compromising photo of him emerged, was brought up.
If Mitchell Pearce doesn't get packed and sent away from NRL then bring Carney back and let him control the NRL. Angel compared.
— Talking Beard (@StrayBeard) January 27, 2016
As was Joel Monaghan, whose career with the Canberra Raiders was brought to an abrupt conclusion after a photograph of him engaged in a sexual act with a dog emerged.
…but it's a pretty good day for Joel Monaghan #everycloud
— Ben Damon (@ben_damon) January 27, 2016
There were those who were able to see the lighter side of the scandal.
Aren't we overdue for an NRL star to be filmed doing something disgusting….
Sorry, what? Mitchell Pearce did what??? Oh. Never mind.
— Aaron Kearney (@aaronkearneyaus) January 27, 2016
Mitchell Pearce: a career dogged by controversy
— Fire Up (@FireUpOnFBI) January 27, 2016
"What? She came on to me…" – Mitchell Pearce pic.twitter.com/1GkKNknzKZ
— Fake Fox Sports News (@Fake_FSN) January 27, 2016
Dogs when they see Mitchell Pearce be like pic.twitter.com/RN8GmsccFI
— Paul Boehl (@Boehl7) January 27, 2016
Then, of course, came the criticisms of Pearce as an Origin player.
If the story is true and he's sacked it's a real shame as Mitchell Pearce has been one of QLD's biggest assets over many years #nrl
— Luke Bradnam (@LukeBradnam) January 27, 2016
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