Having a glance through some Saturday papers it was no surprise to see the current NRL dramas with a spate of allegations against players dominating the pages.
It’s a difficult issue and plenty of different views are being voiced.
One area I’m finding hard to agree with is the notion that players who are charged but not yet found guilty need to be suspended until the trial is over, because they have bought the game into disrepute.
I could understand if a system is bought in which suspends the players because it’s not practical to have them playing for a whole host of reasons, but this notion of bringing the game into disrepute as a blanket reason for suspending them is not going to work.
Here is a portion of Peter Fitzsimons column from the SMH from 16th Feb 2019.
“If you have behaved in a manner whereby the police have charged you, and you have generated shocking headlines from one end of the country to the other, I would maintain that both the club and the NRL are themselves putting the game into disrepute by playing you. Friends, this is a no-brainer and I am quietly told the NRL now gets it too.”
The big problem here is that based on many recent cases we don’t know if it’s the player or the alleged victim who has acted in the manner which has led to the charges.
If the alleged victim has made up stories or blown things out of proportion, then the charges are entirely their doing – but if it’s the player who has assaulted them then it’s them to blame entirely for the charges and the headlines.
Police charges are zero proof that you have behaved in any manner at all. Several players like Shaun Kenny-Dowell, Semi Radradra, Hazem El Masri and Brett Stewart were accused but were later exonerated.
If the NRL know who is generating all these countrywide headlines at the moment – then no worries, suspend them – but forget about thinking that police charges will give you an answer.
A final point which has been bugging me but I haven’t pieced together is this notion that players who put themselves in a certain position are taking the risk of getting into trouble. Then if they are charged falsely or correctly should be punished anyway for this mythical position they entered.
It is pure nonsense.
Calls for players to be suspended because they were allegedly drunk, out at 2:30, or acting unfaithful to their partners are missing the point. A player could be anywhere at anytime and run into trouble.
There is a need to punish the conduct we all find reprehensible, but to remember that this conduct is the target.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
When the dust settles on JBD's case don't be surprised if the lawyers have a field day on some of the reporting so far. Paying lip service to the presumption of innocence isn't the same as adhering to the principle. I've noticed one scribe has watered down what he said last weekend but it's too late, this case will look vastly different to the way it is viewed now in the future in my opinion. The swirling anger is in danger of becoming an erratic tyrant.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
Very good point John. At least in the Inglis case if these shocking headlines were generated across the country we could lay some of the blame at his feet. Drink drive and run the risk of killing people but whatever you do make sure you don't pretend to molest a poodle . Lordy Lordy.
John
Guest
The thing that caught my eye on his quote was "shocking headlines". Now we all know only the media can control that, so that basically gives the media free reign over who they want to get banned, based on what criminal charges are laid and who is being charged. How many shocking headlines were made when Inglis was charged over a DUI? How many shocking headlines followed after the conviction? What was the sanction over that crime?
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
Agreed Bazza , if the code is clear then start drawing players into line big time . I seem to recall at the same season launch where Brett Stewart harmed no one that it was alleged that Watmough assaulted a club sponsor. Watmough may well be innocent as well but all the focus and pitchforks descended on Stewart unfairly because of police charges.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
John , the thing that stood out about the article to me was not only that his notion was completely unfair but the main reason I wrote the article is because he said the support for his position was very strong from the readers. Police charges do not mean that a player has done something wrong , that is beyond any doubt but so many keep running with that line and then pretend that they’re not, when exposed. ” He was charged so he must have done something wrong” ” Where there’s smoke there’s fire” , ludicrous notions.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
It's a valid opinion LTF , It's a can of worms because some players could be allowed to play because their case doesn't look too bad and they up being guilty. If all the previous cases where " it didn't look good" resulted in convictions the choice would be much easier. Trouble it is the worst of the allegations are the ones which have been found to be the fairy tales. I get bagged for referencing past cases but they can't be ignored , no way.
Bazza
Guest
It doesn't really matter who is offering the opinion. Whether it be Peter Fitzsimons , TB, 40/20 or any of us on here or other social media sites, it's still an opinion put forward for people to read. Others will either agree or disagree with the point of view , but everyone is entitled to express their opinion. But there are clearly two different points to consider here. Firstly, criminal charges have been made against several players in the game. They need to face these charges and the courts will determine the outcome. Secondly, the NRL, and the individual clubs of the players concerned, need to determine if the behaviour of these players which has led to the situations they now find themselves in, constitutes a breach of the code of conduct of the NRL and individual clubs by placing the NRL, clubs and the reputation of the game in jeopardy. I don't think too many people can say it isn't causing damage so it's time all governing parties took action. It's time to make these people responsible for their actions. Their own stupidity and disregard towards others can lead to serious complications, as some are discovering now.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
With a wig that looks like a sea anemone and call it Nemo.
john
Guest
I generally agree with your points on this subject matter 40/20. What I disagree with is drawing attention to a journalist like Peter Fitzsimons and giving his opinion a platform. I avoid reading anything from the DT or SMH because of journalists like him.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
Rubbish TB , you are the master of twisting , no doubt about it.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
I understand this fully and agree with most of it. The area I question is it not looking good. It doesn't look good but neither did the multiple cases where it didn't look good either and they were innocent. 'The not looking good' is stirring up irrational anger.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I don’t necessarily disagree with that. But like it or not, that’s not the world we’re living in.
AE47
Roar Rookie
How do you dress a word salad ?
elvis
Roar Rookie
Because no one does care. In fact I'd guess most people would expect highly paid young athletes to be out drinking and screwing. If more people minded their own business the world would be a better place.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
I wouldn't read it but I would still be happy to critique it. It will just be a variation of the regurgitated "word salad" that has been on the menu for the past few years in an effort to accumulate "politically correct brownie points" on the way to his Guru badge. I think you can buy them in the kid's toy section at Woolies. LOL
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
In fact, Benji stepped in to protect two women who were being harassed. But that isn't the point Fred. It sold newspapers and boosted TV ratings so isn't that really the point? You have to feed the cash cows of CH9 and FOX Sports otherwise where is all the money going to come from if players are going to gouge the life out of the game and bankrupt clubs with their insatiable and unsustainable cash grab.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
I agree Fred. But just look what those two terms, "liberal" and "democratic", mean in the USA today and you will find your answer. They define a growing movement that has now spread to these shores of ignorant, self-centred tantrum throwers that have more a 'sense of self-entitlement' than common sense and believe that the world owes them something that they have not earned through their own efforts. We live in an age where political correctness and "feelings" are more important than facts in any debate and the assumption of guilt is the default setting but only for men.
AE47
Roar Rookie
TB name calling, typical of your response when you can’t validate your argument. Papi smurf nailed it! The language you use is that of a bully.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
TB the "clownfish" has now posted 26 comments totalling 3,368 words on this one forum!!! Not one word of sense just a tossed "word salad" of his puffing and preening to distract us all from how his Dogs are closer to a wooden spoon than a premiership. LOL
The Barry
Roar Guru
What did he nail? That he doesn’t like reading my comments but has counted how many comments and words that I’ve written? Wow. Nailed it ! Know what I do when I don’t want to read something...? Don’t read it. Yet again another comment from you about me instead of about the issue.