I suspect Matthew Lodge will be a minor story by the end of the month. Media attention seems to have died down this week ahead of Round 2.
I can’t imagine crowds will muster the strength to boo his every touch of the ball all year like they did at Kogarah last Thursday.
And I suspect the Broncos have been counting on both the public and the media losing interest. It is perhaps why they tried to ignore the issue altogether before the season began – after a little while, who’s going to care?
Personally I’m sympathetic to both sides. I can see why some people have argued to exclude players with history like Lodge. It’s not a desired association for the NRL or rugby league in general. I find merit in the argument that violent criminals forgo their right to play sport at the highest level, with the accompanying celebrity status and riches.
(Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
However, I’m also persuaded by the redemptive argument. I find Lodge to be genuine in his remorse and I believe in the power of second chances for those willing to take them seriously. I believe people should be able to make mistakes, make amends and make a new future.
The make amends part is the issue. As a Broncos fan, I would find it much easier to argue for Lodge’s place in the side if an arrangement had been made for him to begin paying the settlement set out by the US courts.
That would have been a indisputable sign of remorse. In that sense, it is imperative that Lodge plays – otherwise it is extremely unlikely he will be able to pay back his money owed. I hope some sort of arrangement can be made here to the satisfaction of both parties.
As a Broncos and rugby league fan, I’ve had to think about how much I can stomach and still love this sport. The Lodge incident is a tricky one for sure, but with several extenuating circumstances. When thinking more broadly about the sports, I find more concerning dilemmas that run to the core of the game.
For example, can I genuinely be alarmed by alcohol-fuelled violence and alcohol abuse in society while still supporting a game so heavily sponsored by alcohol companies? Can I honestly turn a blind eye to the menace of gambling while enjoying a competition bankrolled by betting companies?
Every leagues club in the country is reliant on booze and pokies – at what point is the footy just a friendly face for those looking to profit off the misery of addicts? Hell, does The Bunker cause obesity with their delicious KFC advertisements before every video ref decision?
Now, I’m not sure it’s really all that depressing. Rugby league does a lot of good and brings a lot of joy to people all around the world. And yes, at some point, personal responsibility comes into play in regard to alcohol, gambling and fast food. The problems caused by these vices would remain without a XXXX logo on a footy jersey or a betting ad before State of Origin.
I’m not about to boycott the sport. However, I do think it’s worth thinking about the moral issues raised by the greatest game of all. These are questions that will remain a long time after crowds stop booing Matthew Lodge.
Forty Twenty
Guest
Todays paper has a huge article Lodge. It further taints his character badly in another series of incidents in Australia. Where you draw the line is a difficult thing. If he does something serious again do you wait a couple of years and let him play again?
1st&10
Guest
This guy has been a ticking Time bomb for years. He is a young David Warner, who can actually fight. He has been getting away with crap for years, thanks to mummy and daddy position. This guy should be breaking rocks in Sing Sing, not fouling the NRL with his presence
Gray-Hand
Guest
Twice, in fact.
Big Daddy
Guest
Lonnie, I have to commend you on your high moral attitude in relation to the gambling aspect of rugby league. I grew up in an era where the leagues club were the backbone of rugby league teams until the broadcast deal's were instigated and some probably do still support the football club. I believe south's seniors are pokie free and some club's like Newtown (?) and Balmain have lost their league's clubs completely. Trouble is their are thousands of clubs that have pokies so I don't think any leagues club will discard them.support Back then the leagues clubs were designed to support the community but in recent years most are rugby league focused. Rising player's salaries have probably meant the focus on finances. I belong to a central coast club which was built entirely based towards the football club and it supports local communities and other sports. Remember these clubs are designated as not for-profit so should be reinvesting any profits back into local sporty andand community. Unfortunately we live in a society where it goes hand in hand. In saying that gambling cost me my marriage so I can speak with reasonable authority.
beepee
Guest
Lonnie - I thought it was a great article, so well done. Ever since it was rumoured that Lodge would play again, I thought that some kind of payment plan or agreement with the victims would not only be appropriate, but also portray Lodge and the NRl in a more favourable light with the public, many of whom only know the bares bones of the story, and would otherwise be against him.
pot stirrer
Guest
The only moral dilema for me is, what gives certain media personalities the right to try and bully him out of the game and to make a living. personaly i think he should have done 12 months for the crime but once the courts are finished with him then that should be it.
Lonnie Gilroy
Roar Rookie
Personally I'd get rid of all the pokies. But as long as gambling exists, should the NRL make some money off it? (I really don't know. Maybe? It's tough.)
Lonnie Gilroy
Roar Rookie
I definitely agree. I think it is great Lodge can be offered a second chance here in the NRL - but there should have been greater effort to sort out a payment plan for the victims
Lonnie Gilroy
Roar Rookie
Hey Paul, thanks for the feedback. My aim for this piece was to compare the ethical concerns about Matt Lodge with some of the wider concerns you might find with rugby league. In other words, if you don't want Lodge to play because it's a bad look for the sport, do you also have to consider the implications of being associated with gambling and alcohol? I'm not even sure where I stand on that, it's just something I've been thinking about recently. Once I heard someone suggest that people are going to gamble and drink anyway, so why shouldn't the NRL make some money off it? Again, not sure if I agree with that, but it's worth thinking about. Wouldn't want to tell anyone what to think. Just wanted to say my piece. As for Lodge in particular, I said in the article I am convinced he is remorseful and has turned over a new leaf. I just wish an "arrangement had been made for him to begin paying the settlement set out by the US court." As for boycotts, I think my final paragraph sums up my position (that first sentence in particular). I didn't go into great detail in my article but I really do think rugby league and sport are wonderful things for society with demonstrable positive outcomes. Look at the joy and hope it brings kids all around the country as one example. And just personally my life would be so much poorer without having the Broncos and QLD to support each year! But the good doesn't necessarily cancel out the bad and vice versa. A lot of tricky questions! Thanks for reading again.
Matt H
Roar Guru
The Broncos did engage the public up in Brisbane during the off season, not sure how much traction it had down south. I'm for letting him play but it would have been basic public relations for the Broncos and NRL to say to Lodge "We will register your contract as long as there is a clause in there for us to withhold XX% of your contract and pay it directly to the victims you owe".
Emcie
Roar Guru
yeah, he was definately found guilty
Huh?
Guest
"The facts are simple with Lodge: he was not found guilty of a crime in the USA but must pay damages." Didn't he plead guilty to a charge as part of a plea bargain?
no one in particular
Roar Guru
If the gambling industry holds such sway then why are both NRL and all state govts increasing their fees and taxes on bookmakers?
bbt
Guest
Poker machines and gambling are the big issues, for me. The power of the gambling industry is totally distorting our political system and soon will infect the NRL in a comparable manner. The "family-friendly" vibe that the NRL and Clubs profess to encourage lacks credibility whilst the gambling industry holds such sway.
Paul
Roar Guru
This is a very confusing & disappointing article because it's not about Lodge only, but about the state of sports advertising and the adverse effects this is having on society? I'm sorry Lonnie, but what has one got the do with the other? The facts are simple with Lodge: he was not found guilty of a crime in the USA but must pay damages. He has publicly accepted responsibility, has been through a number of appropriate programs and is now trying to ply his trade. Your choice is equally simple. Are you going to stand on your morals and boycott a sport or a team that supports a playing going through rehabilitation? That's your call. In equal terms, if you are so deeply affected by advertising on sports, then by all means, stop watching, but again, this is a simple decision and is not worth a moralising article.