ARL commissioner Wayne Pearce says he hasn’t spoken to his son Mitchell since the Sydney Roosters’ star went into an overseas rehab clinic for alcohol addiction.
The Balmain Tigers’ legend also said he was only concerned about Mitchell’s treatment and his recovery, despite his son’s playing future in the NRL being up in the air.
“I haven’t (spoken to him),” Pearce told Fairfax Media on Friday night.
“The treatment program does not allow that except for certain particular times.”
Mitchell Pearce was filmed trying to kiss a woman, simulating sex with a dog and allegedly urinating his pants at a house party on Australia Day, hours after being pictured drinking with Roosters teammates on a harbour cruise.
His father said that in his position on the commission, he was disappointed in what happened, but added he had to be pragmatic as well.
“From my point of view, Mitchell is getting rehab and getting some proper care. I’m confident he will come out of the other end better than ever,” Pearce said.
Wayne Pearce on Friday was re-elected to another term on the commission, and chairman John Grant said his son’s troubles were a “totally separate matter” to Wayne’s responsibilities.
“If it comes to the consideration of the commission and it is related to Mitchell, Wayne will step aside from those discussions,” Grant told Fairfax.
“It’s just standard practice in relation to conflict of interest.”
northerner
Guest
I believe that some rehab programs enforce a "no contact" policy for family members in the first phase of rehab. I guess the thinking is that it allows the patient to focus on his own issues without outside distractions or pressures. A distant family member of ours went into rehab and the first thing they did was take away his mobile phone.
johnnyball
Guest
Unusual for a father when son is in trouble isn't it?