Consistency. It is the only word that allows me to accept the ramifications of the viral video of Mitchell Pearce on Australia day.
Pearce’s lewd act is likely to see him stripped of his captaincy, NSW jumper and reputation, ruining his future on and off the field.
If he hasn’t learnt from his crude behaviour yet, he should never be allowed to step on an NRL ground again.
The NRL must be consistent, and with Pearce’s poor track-record regarding behaviour a hefty ban is non-negotiable.
More Mitchell Pearce:
» The new and improved NRL Code of Conduct
» Mitchell Pearce speaks for first time following Australia Day scandal
» Whatever Pearce’s punishment, make sure he learns from it
» Pearce faces anxious wait on NRL career
» Roosters stand down disgraced captain Mitchell Pearce
» Footage emerges of Pearce simulating sex act with a dog
Worse news for the Blues half is that his career could easily head in the same direction as former teammate Todd Carney who, in fairness, had more severe and a higher number of alcohol-related issues than Pearce.
A 12-month ban is being demanded, and anything less will stir criticism.
However I am one of the few saying Pearce is a victim – of the ever-growing social media.
I am not putting the whole blame on the idiot who filmed and sent the video to the media (although he plays a large part), Pearce shouldn’t have put himself in that position in the first place. But I saw Pearce on Australia day just prior to the incident.
He was standing with a mate, and I went up to wish him luck for the season. I thought he may ignore me or his mate would tell me where to go, but he greeted me friendly and we had a good three-minute conversation, discussing how his preseason was going and so on and so forth.
Yes, he was a bit tipsy, but absolutely harmless, well mannered, and willing to engage with fans.
Obviously the next day I was shocked and disturbed at the news of what he did later that night, however I was more irritated that he was being portrayed as a terrible, indecent human being.
Which turns my attention onto the bloke sitting on the couch with his feet up, grinning at the profit he has made by selling this video to the scandal-hungry media outlets.
He is a shining example of the generation who have adopted the ‘If I don’t take a video/photo then I was never there’ attitude. He probably filmed to show his mates he is cool and hangs out with high-profile footy stars.
I’m also infuriated by the people saying the NRL are not learning from their mistakes with players. These critics have not been through the program that the NRL has installed. I’m not a professional rugby league player, but I have been through the junior representative competitions and sat through the same two-hour lectures all elite players receive, which emphasise that players should not get involved in situations that could end their career.
These programs are presented at the start of every year, by ex-police officers sided with the NRL to prevent these events from occurring. They are strict, heavily detailed, and constantly revised to underline the consequences of these events; and that is the sole reason Pearce must take responsibility for his actions.
That program is one initiative, and there are excellent support groups within clubs where trained professionals assist player welfare as well.
So the NRL are not to blame for this act, however they are unfortunately in the position where the fate of Pearce’s career is in their hands.
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