This will be my shortest column to date on The Roar. In essence, there is not a lot to say as the matter under discussion is so basic that it requires few words.
Numerous players, past and present, from NRL club the Gold Coast Titans have been implicated in drug offences – serious drug offences.
Additionally, multi-code jumper Karmichael Hunt, currently indentured to the Queensland Reds, has also been charged over drug-related issues.
These players have been stood down by their respective clubs, who are taking the allegations very seriously.
For the Titans it is just another layer of unwanted news – no major sponsor, no training venue and now players stood down pending court hearings over alleged drug use.
You would think in the circumstances that the players concerned would be endeavouring to do whatever they could to try and aid the club in a period of crisis. Well, think again.
Much of the vision we have seen of those under investigation since the story broke is of them entering and leaving police stations as they continue to be questioned over their alleged actions.
And what, in the main, have they been wearing? Shorts, t-shirts, thongs and caps.
Surely the players in question could present themselves before the authorities in a manner that does not suggest that they have had to interrupt a day at the beach in order to waste their time over what they appear to consider trivial matters.
Perhaps it is their way of thumbing their noses at the police, but what about their employer, the code and the fans?
Cronulla players appeared similarly attired when fronting ASADA investigators, as did West Coast Eagles players Ben Cousins and Michael Gardiner a few years back when called to Western Australia Police Headquarters to be interviewed on drug-related issues.
Nowadays it appears many players in the elite-level football codes feel they have some sense of entitlement with respect to their behaviour.
It is about time that mindset was put to bed.
How about in future when players are stood down by their club as a result of police charges they at least try to claw back some modicum of respect for themselves and their employer by at least dressing in a fashion that does not, in effect, show a complete and utter contempt for the law, the club’s decision to stand them down, and the fans who invest their hard earned in supporting them on the field.
Fight, by all means, to clear your name through the courts.
But in the meantime at least try and show publicly that you are taking the situation seriously, and stop treating it as a sideshow.
Craig
Guest
Better let my physio and podiatrist know that they are wrong on wearing shoes then ;-)
George
Guest
Even if you're a criminal, you should be glad that you can gererally go home to a place that will not be invaded or bombed tonight, or that your wife/girlfriend/children are safe wherever they may be. This is because we have the police and a system where you get punished if you do something wrong. Sure, there are plenty of times where the police or courts get it wrong, but our country is a better place when most people are law abiding. You can expect a 13 year old to snigger at the police to show how tough they are, but does this attitude really have to follow you into your adult years? Show these guys some respect, the same way you'd like to be respected at your place of work. Many of these footy players don't even have to pay for their nice clothes, the least they could do is wear them. No one expects them to wear a tux, but a pair of long pants and a colared shirt isn't really all that hard to find in most people's wardrobes.
Daryl Kerrigan
Guest
what do you wear to court Bill?
Ben Lott
Roar Pro
There's a dress code at your local Cop Shop? Mate... even the cops where I am don't wear their uniform properly, it's too hot. As far as I'm concerned, the thongs thing is a bit lame... wear real footwear, like a nice pair of boat shoes or volleys, with shorts and a t-shirt. Who cares, it was an interview, not a court appearance. It's nothing to do with respect or any other made-up reason. All it is, is, it's Queensland, it's hot, it's not a formal thing, so I'll go in what I'm wearing right now. What a non-issue.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
Whilst the level of attire when attending a police station is up to the individual, the attire adorned by these high profile athletes suggests poor decision making given the public nature of their careers and the media scrutiny they are currently under.
xavialonso
Roar Rookie
;)
up up cronulla
Guest
Amazing im reading so many comments saying who cares, when wade graham wore casual cloths everyone saw blood,i suppose thanks to sharks everyone is desensitized to drugs drama!
Von Neumann
Roar Guru
well i think the OP is reacting to the fact that even when being shamed, by certain standards the guys just dont look like they care and want to put their best foot forward.
Jeremy
Guest
So what would have been more appropraite to wear. I doubt the Titans would have let them rock up in their jersey & footy boots.
damo
Guest
Who said Armani suit ? They could have worn what I'm certain they've already been given, ie, a club polo & casual dress shorts, with some neat casual shoes.
damo
Guest
Your 'arches' ie, the plantaar fascia etc, will support themselves just fine, You don't need shoes, in fact, you are better off without them as far as foot care goes. Thongs are dangerous because they can slip out from under the foot causing trips, slips etc, not because they don't support the natural movement of the foot. As for the article, I don't think the author was inferring they should 'suit up', but surely the club has issued various forms of dress for training, post match functions etc & one might imagine that said issued attire may have included a collared polo type shirt & perhaps a pair of matching casual dress shorts. Throw in a pair of neat casual shoes, & all of a sudden you could still be very comfortable, casual & yet have presented yourself in a 'proper' manner. No one could complain, you've done the righty, & all without causing yourself too much effort beyond maybe ironing that polo shirt.
scott
Guest
New Zealanders with wool allergies?
scott
Guest
Different situations have different dress standards. Traditionally suits have been required for court appearances but no such dress standard has applied to police stations. And if you start applying court dress standards to police visits where will it end? Prisons form part of the justice system, should inmates be dressed accordingly lest they not display sufficient respect for their guards? How about council inspectors, EPA staff, and every other agent of a statutory authority?
chucked
Guest
Bomb 78 - COULDN'T AGREE MORE A bogan Sport played by Bogans and the cops will treat you like a bum if you dress like one
steve b
Roar Guru
Oh Nasty !
Kaks
Roar Guru
Agreed with you until this "And showing respect for the police they lost that cred years ago obviously Glenn you havent been pulled over lately". One word comes to mind with people like you. Starts with a W and ends in something that sounds like anchor
spruce moose
Guest
What is the difference between court and the cop shop Steve? They work together to lock people up. Surely, respecting both should be the order of the day, not just the one with wig on his head.
DaniE
Roar Guru
At least they weren't wearing wife beaters. Or Crocs.
clipper
Guest
Where are their managers / advisers / club boss to have a word with them? It's a bit of a trivial matter, but it does no harm to be well presented, especially when you know the media will be hovering. It's all incremental - just a little slip here, a faux pas there, it all adds up.
seajay23
Guest
Imagine if it was Townsville; shirts? what's a shirt mate?