The NRL need to hang their head in shame for allowing the registration of controversial 22-year-old forward Matthew Lodge.
Lodge lost his right to play in our game following his most recent misdemeanour. It landed the former Wests Tiger in a New York court, where he was ordered to pay almost $US1.234 million ($AU1.6 million) in damages. The ordeal he put his victims through, too horrific to detail here again, saw Lodge arrested at gunpoint. He could be considered lucky to have avoided jail.
Lodge putting pen to paper with the Brisbane Broncos flies in the face of the NRL’s attempt to clean up their image when it comes to disrespecting women.
“The NRL is showing leadership not only in sport but across Australia’s corporate culture when it comes to the treatment of women. I am thrilled to know Todd Greenberg is supporting that initiative,” said NRL gender adviser Catharine Lumby, who helped put together the new protocol earlier this year.
This could have been a moment for CEO Todd Greenberg to shine with his actions speaking louder than words, yet the game has been let down by what I think is a poor decision.
Lodge is far from an angel. In 2014 he was banned by the NRL for having an offensive word written on his strapping during a junior State of Origin game. It was the same game where Mitchell Moses made a homophobic remark towards Luke Bateman.
Surely rugby league doesn’t need a player like Matthew Lodge representing the game at the elite level.
Nat
Roar Guru
The two are not comparable and should be taken on their own merits. Can you compare a drunk driver sideswiping your car, while you're driving, to a B&E at your house by a junkie? Unbelievably stupid vs Intent. Which is worse in your books? Just like Moses mouthing off in the heat of the moment vs using profile to publicly support a cowardly killer.
Matt Pritchard
Roar Rookie
My question in return is, did Sandor Earl deserve a worse ban than Matt Lodge? He made what people would consider a lesser mistake than Lodge.
Matt Pritchard
Roar Rookie
He could have ended up in jail - that's the reality. Lucky for him it was a huge payout.
Matt Pritchard
Roar Rookie
Yes, he has served his ban, but the question is whether the NRL are doing the right thing by registering him when they are trying to promote the image of how football players treat women. He made a HUGE mistake not once, but on multiple occasions. Can he be reformed?
Matt Pritchard
Roar Rookie
Agreed. There should be a 'no tolerance' stance not matter if they are reformed.
Nat
Roar Guru
Have you spoken with the victims? He made a horrible mistake two years ago and has been punished in many ways but also worked hard to become a productive member of society. I'm sure the compensation doesn't heal all wounds for those ladies and the family but do they want him to be punished for life? I would argue Fifita's arm band is worse than Lodge and you seemed to gloss over Moses' homophobic slur.
Mike from tari
Guest
I agree Matt, the Courier Mail had a story on him in three of their editions even a huge photo of him, have Bennett or White or the Journalist Badel gone to New York & talked to his victims, they have been scarred for life, the victims only went to civil court & sued him because they were upset that there was a plea bargain that they were not party to & remember West Tigers had sacked him before the New York incident, but it's a great story for Violence against Women.
Ben
Guest
What kind of article is this. He has served his ban. Hasn’t touched a drop of alcohol in over 2 years and is working his backside off in the community. He made a mistake, he is doing everything he can to get his life back on track. Have you never made a mistake???? He deserves his chance at life and if that’s playing footy in the NRL then so be it. Perhaps an article like this suggests your not any better as a person yourself.
joe morris
Guest
WHAT ABOUT THE NRL PLAYER WHO DONE JAIL TIME FOR A TERRIBLE ASSAULT CHARGE?