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Weird as it may sound, The Australian Crime Commission could itself be found guilty of a criminal offence against a number of NRL clubs.
Those named – and many who have gone public insist they have been needlessly shamed – are furious at being labelled ‘clubs of interest’ or in other words, possible participants in doping or match-fixing.
Whispers are developing into a growl – strong legal action is a distinct possibility.
At today’s meeting of all NRL chief executives in Sydney, the ACC’s accusations and subsequent investigation will undoubtedly be the hottest topic of conversation. I won’t be surprised if the head honchos band together and formulate a plan to launch a hefty defamation suit.
Such litigation would be aimed squarely at the ACC and therefore the Federal Government.
For those who are not up to speed on these damaging pre-season allegations, the six ‘clubs of interest’ are supposedly Newcastle, Manly, Cronulla, Canberra, Penrith and North Queensland.
But earlier this week, The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper reported that even those un-named were seething over the ACC allegations and may consider seeking compensation through the courts.
As a league fan, I would be right behind such an action. By all means set up a fighting fund, guys. Line up a team of star silks, and go for your lives.
Give the Government your most lethal shoulder charge, fight the pollies’ smoke and mirrors with genuine fire.
Your hard-earned reputations have been dragged down into the mud and some of that mud will stick, sadly, for many years.
If potential sponsors of the game are not looking elsewhere, they are at least looking sideways.
Just ask the Cronulla Sharks, who say they were set to announce a stadium sponsor but lost out when this nationwide furore erupted.
The Roosters say they have also lost a couple of would-be corporate friends. The Panthers have kept all of theirs, but won’t be chasing any newbies until this cloak of gloom and uncertainty is somehow lifted.
Naturally, if any club or individual is found guilty of a serious doping or match-fixing offence, I want to see swift and appropriate action taken by way of bans and/or massive fines. But surely, the innocents don’t have to simply turn the other cheek and hope it all blows over.
Politicians must learn they cannot use sport – or any particular sport – as a tool for their own benefit or party gain.
I urge any club that feels aggrieved: assemble that team of lawyers, barristers and QCs and hit these accusers with all of your collective might. We may have a new team to support.
C’arn the mighty Legal Eagles!
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