Well, James Roberts and Wayne Bennett sure said some things last night.
After their 4-17 win over the Parramatta Eels, the Brisbane Broncos did their best to get into the headlines with their post-game comments.
It’s a distinct possibility they meant no offence with these comments, but the fact they have left themselves open to this criticism shows that whoever’s doing the media training for the club is not doing their job.
It all started with James Roberts, who in reply to a question about his pace, answered:
“I’ve got more speed than Oxford street.”
First off, putting everything else aside – it’s just not a very funny joke.
It’s something a seventh-grade-me would have come up with – the sort of lazy humour that people who think Dave Hughes is the pinnacle of comedy would maybe find slightly amusing.
You can forgive players for crossing the line if it’s a cracker of a joke – but this wasn’t that.
Jurgen Klopp, Rob Gronkowski are highly entertaining personalities – and far from PC, media-trained drones but yet they rarely get bad press because they know how to do it.
They’re pros.
Secondly, is it offensive?
On some level, to some people, obviously yes.
Certainly not anything that anyone is going to lose any sleep over but still, a thoughtless thing to say nonetheless.
Making light of substance abuse is usually not a very good idea – especially given how far-reaching and wretched the problem is in Australia.
I’m sure it wasn’t Roberts’ intention to do that, but that’s how it comes off – and really that’s all that matters.
Maybe you can justify that sort of banter with your mates, but on live TV with a nation-wide audience that includes children and families – that is an incredibly dumb joke to make.
VERDICT: Bafflingly thoughtless thing to say, deserves a clip behid the ears.
Wayne Bennett, come on down.
When told of Roberts’ comments in the post-game press conference, Bennett replied “As long he’s not on the NRL’s (Mardi Gras) float then I’ll be fine”
Um.
Hard to see how this is not at the very least, a incredibly offensive thing to say.
Whether joking or not, the implication that Bennett would not back a player supporting the NRL’s initiative to combat homophobia is completely unacceptable.
The league, to its credit, is hosting a float at this year’s Mardi Gras in an effort to engage with the LGBTI community.
Undermining this like he has goes a long way to undoing the good work that the league is doing to deal with the systemic and deeply rooted homophobia within the code and sport generally.
In Bennett’s defence, Steve Renouf offered up the explanation that “they were just the words that came to his head” – which doesn’t so much vindicate the coach, as it does just explain how thoughts and speaking works.
Any way you cut what Bennett said, he’s having a dig at the gay community – and they’ve copped more than their fair share.
VERDICT: At best, unintentionally demeaning. At worst, blatantly homophobic
The common thread between these two is that offensive or not, they show an absolutely alarming lack of self-awareness.
Part of being a modern sportsperson who earns a chunk of their bread by being a marketable personality is understanding how you’re coming across, and how media and society could reasonably interpret your words.
It does the code a great injustice when they make headlines for rubbish coming out of their mouths – fire whoever’s supposed to be training them, because they’re falling well short of the mark for professional athletes.
Want people to focus on the game and not off-field nonsense? Don’t provide off-field nonsense.
John Joseph
Guest
"VERDICT: At best, unintentionally demeaning. At worst, blatantly homophobic" Are you serious???? Really? Nanny state? blah blah blah All people will draw offense from things and I'm tired of it. Whatever happened to free speech and a sense of humour. It was a good joke and a fair call on reality. If you beat it up, YOU'RE the one making it worse, or at least into something that it is not. I could go on about this more but all I really want to do is make the point that we live in a free society and I'm one person against the continuing attacks on an individual's taken right to speak freely, even if controversially. An offensive statement goes along the lines of personal attacks and unreasonable-ness. this is not that. Get real and put the pacifier down.
pete bloor
Guest
Gee this a fishing expedition this one.
Meesta Cool
Guest
Well said Meesta Rightus!. Geez, I must be a horrible person, I laughed at both statements... , We don't need to take EVERYTHING seriously..
BroncoJuggernaut
Guest
Riordon is probably one of those people that laugh at that damn Daniel meme. What a normie.
BroncoJuggernaut
Guest
What's a leaguie?
Man Up
Guest
This article is 'The Joke' and the funny part.. The media never tells it like it is. it's all just a bit of humour to the get the season underway on a light note, until ofcorse people cast some darkness over it all and try and ruin the day. Thanx a lot all you negatives. You can sit there and blame the players/coaches and whoever else involved, the media world are just doing their job.
Chris Love
Guest
Why exactly can't coaches and players be a little clumsy with their words? Oh that's right, because people like you exist! Sitting with baited breath ready to write an article about political correctness. It's the last thing we need in a sports website because the majority of people rarely give a stuff about these things.
craigo
Guest
@ Rick I, I find your word "Leagies" to be hateful!!! I ask The Roar moderators to ban you from commentating on anything Rugby League.
Wascally Wabbit
Guest
Hang on, James Roberts is indigenous. So does criticising him make you racist, Riordan ? Wayne Bennett is a senior, so does criticising him make you ageist, Riordan ? Are we allowed to say anything anymore without somebody being offended ?
The Barry
Roar Guru
Not far behind WDD...
The Barry
Roar Guru
Perfect Will...
Brissie Boy
Guest
Yeah, I read the Fox article and watched the video; did seem like a bit of awkward response and probably, ultimately, was just a poor choice of words.
Kaks
Roar Guru
So because some people are looking for reasons to be outraged, other people shouldnt say what they want to say even though they dont have any malice behind their words? Seems to me that instead of some people being forced to keep quiet, those who feel outraged by everything should... i dont know... calm down a little bit?
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
Nice one Bonza. Here's some more grade 7 humour for you Riordan , and possibly a real issue that the RSPCA should become involved in. Armageddon out of here! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTrOb8zyrZk
Wascally Wabbit
Guest
Hang on, isn't James Roberts indigenous ? So criticising him must make you a racist, Riordan. Wayne Bennett is a senior, so criticising him must make you ageist, Riordan. It goes on and on. Soon we'll only be able to say what the PC thugs allow us to say. -- will that make you happy Riordan ?
jamesb
Guest
Well there's two things here: Yvonne Sampson had no problems with Roberts' remark. In fact, she laughed it off. With Wayne Bennett, he has been around for decades. Anyone who follows the NRL would have a fair idea of the character and personality of Bennett. It was tongue in cheek. Riordan, you've made a mountain out of a molehill.
Adrian Smith
Guest
Hmmm the moderator didn't allow my last comment so let me just say this.... I don't agree with your article and this is one of the reasons that players/coaches trot out the same 'one game at a time' cliches. You don't know what Bennett's perspective was when he said it so you are applying your interpretation to his comments.It will be a very bland world if everyone had the same opinion and perspective though so I appreciate yours, I just don't agree with it.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
Plus a legendary track record of being awkward in press conferences.
Jimmmy
Guest
Are you a real pirate?
Billy101
Guest
I'm starting to believe that some people are addicted to being offended.