Jack de Belin is not bigger than the game of rugby league.
But this week, De Belin found himself in court again, challenging the validity of the NRL’s new ‘no-fault, stand down policy’ and fighting for his immediate playing future.
This case is an important one because it goes directly toward answering how the NRL can protect the game’s reputation and continue to attract sponsors in the wake of off-field incidents, while still respecting an individual’s legal right to the presumption of innocence.
Much of the evidence has been of this nature, with the NRL and others, like Melbourne Storm chairperson Bart Campbell, trying to demonstrate the financial impact that De Belin’s behaviour has had on the game, as well as on the mindset of fans and potential new fans.
Over the last couple of weeks, I have found it challenging to watch the narrative around De Belin change. Given he was immediately stood down and unable to play, some have chosen to portray him as a victim of an archaic NRL policy. Given the seriousness of the charges leveled against him (to which he has plead not guilty), at present, I feel very little sympathy for him.
But what I feel now is anger and disgust.
On Thursday, De Belin’s lawyers made their closing statements. As part of those statements, his lawyers claimed the NRL did not put their client through an education program about violence against women (despite putting him through training on other things like gambling, drugs and on how to speak to the media).
The lawyers potentially chose this line of argument to demonstrate that the NRL cannot introduce a policy and then not give requisite training to the players so they can adhere to the policy.
These comments were deeply insulting and offensive for so many reasons.
Firstly, I find it very hard to believe that they are true. What I do know is true is that there is almost no sport in Australia that does more in the education space for its players, particularly around violence towards women than the NRL.
The league has very close relationships with Our Watch and the Full Stop Foundation and representatives from these organisations have told me that most NRL players are given more education than the average Australian.
This work doesn’t just begin from when players make their NRL debut. Go speak to Alan Tongue about his ‘Voice Against Violence’ program and the thousands of teenagers he works with every year to teach them about the importance of respectful relationships. Or Professor Catharine Lumby, who has worked with the NRL as a consultant for many years in this very space.
These comments are deeply disrespectful to the many people that work at the NRL and at our clubs in this space. These men and women spend their days focused solely on the players’ education, health and welfare.
But forget how offensive these comments are to the many people working in this space in the game and consider this.
I find it very disturbing that De Belin’s lawyers would try and spin a narrative whereby employers are responsible for giving their employees training about how violence against women is wrong.
How much further do workplaces need to go? What sort of message does this send to women who love the game?
(Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images
It has been another exceptionally difficult week for women in Australia.
On Thursday, Borce Ristevski was sentenced to nine years in jail for killing his wife Karen at their family home before proceeding to dump her body in the bush. He denied any involvement with the murder basically up until the trial started. Given he has already served 491 days in prison, he will be eligible for parole in less than five years.
Is this the price of a woman’s life in Australia?
Is this how far we have sunk?
Do players need to be educated on how wrong that sort of behaviour is as well?
Justice Melissa Perry has made it clear that it is unlikely that she will hand down a judgement in the case until next week. This means that it is unlikely De Belin will be in a position where he will be selected for the Anzac Day game against the Sydney Roosters.
But again, this is about more than one player.
This case is bigger than the player. It is about our game and what we want it to stand for. It is about making it exceptionally clear that violence against women will not be tolerated and that there are certain standards of behaviour that our players need to adhere to.
If our players are unclear on what those standards are and what it means to be a decent, kind and compassionate member of society, then might I suggest they go back to school. Because that’s where you learn lessons about respect, tolerance and that violence is never, ever the answer.
I desperately want our game to be the best it can be, but comments like those made by De Belin’s lawyers do nothing but create collateral damage.
Chris Love
Roar Guru
Aaaaand. As suspected the real reason he’s being treated as guilty before being proven so.
paulie
Guest
Hey Mary, I think your comment about his pregnant girlfriend at home is why every one is presuming him guilty and wanting him to be punished before his hearing. Unfortunatley Adultry is not a crime, only a sin. Personally I don't know hich side of the fence to sit on on this one. I see both arguments and given its a criminal matter and the law say's innocent until proven guilty and he is on bail then punishing him before his trial doesn't sit well with me
Zavjalova
Roar Rookie
Funny stuff from De Belin. Has to be a joke.
Rellum
Roar Guru
Souths started in 1909 actually, plus West's are from Sydney and that rules them out of any credibility ;)
The Barry
Roar Guru
I do understand that but it still feels like a strange claim to make. If I were JDB I don’t think I’d be stoked with my lawyers putting that perception out there unless it was absolutely necessary.
Hugo au Gogo
Roar Rookie
Remember that this case is about the legality of the stand down rules, not the actual alleged offence itself.
Mary Konstantopoulos
Expert
Hard Yards - I don't change my comments. At the very least, this man has gone out on the piss whilst his wife was at home seven months pregnant and taken a woman to an apartment, along with his mate. Do I have any sympathy for him? Not a shred.
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
NRL should have done a Tool Box Talk. That seems to be the answer to everything.
Insider
Roar Rookie
No Barry I mocked the NRL’s defence (get that right please) and the court of public opinions finding of guilt before a trial has commenced that said please provide evidence of what your allegations in relation to my mocking of the legal system
The Barry
Roar Guru
So the sum total of your contribution still just amounts to “JDB is innocent until proven guilty”. Wow, stunning. An argument that literally no one is having... You believe in the legal system? You’ve done nothing but mock it in your other posts.
Insider
Roar Rookie
You cannot handle the fact that your wrong, again, thanks for not abusing me though like you have others good to see you’ve grown up, we will agree to disagree. I believe in the legal system Barry believes in the court of public opinion, that’s cool
The Barry
Roar Guru
Again...wrong topic bud. Keep trying you’ll catch up. Maybe create another ID.
Insider
Roar Rookie
So Barry wants to stop JDB from working because someone has made an allegation, thank the lord your not a judge and lucky for you your not a lawyer ( cause you would be broke) makes sense now Bazza
The Barry
Roar Guru
Well, you’re responding to the wrong thread then...the comment below is what is being discussed here... “I cant seem to find anything about this , other than on the ABC site” “Barry my argument is innocent until proven guilty” is very impressive but completely pointless because not one single person - from Greenberg to the people commenting here - is saying that JDB is guilty. So no, you haven’t rendered anyone speechless...other than with the painful obviousness of your observations
Insider
Roar Rookie
Did I render the one who can talk the ears off a statue speechless, it’s quite an honour
Life Time Fan
Roar Rookie
Congratulations Mary on a brilliant and sensitive summary of the real issues in the de Bellin case. I am the first one to defend the innocent until proven guilty standard, but we must also accept that he has a case to answer after a professional police investigation. Also, what does his public stand do to the female involved in this matter. The courts will eventually rule on his guilt or otherwise, but this young woman will always be scarred by the circumstances whatever the outcome. Is it fair to her to have some of the ridiculous comments on social media thrown at her to inflict more pain. If Mr de Bellin worked in a wide range of environments he would be stood down with pay (as he has been) until the matter was resolved. He is not some lanonymous laborer on an isolated worksite. He is a public figure who has a responsibility to uphold the image of the game he earns so much money from. The only disadvantage he is currently suffering is not playing games. He is being paid, and can freely associate and train with his teammates. If he was in many other occupations he would be banned from his workplace. He put himself in this position and while that does not make him necessarily guilty of a crime, it should make him feel responsible for the damage he has done to the image of the game. As a person who has spent many years in regulation and law enforcement and in my retirement still provides part time services to the court system, I will respect the decison of the court in his appeal. However, I wonder how many people will boycott games he plays in if he wins? Or worse how many boos and comments from the crowd will be directed at him. The no fault suspension is both fair and right and should stay.
Nat
Roar Guru
Possibly the only comment that's on point.
Insider
Roar Rookie
Westernred Both genders are responsible for heinous crimes, let’s not cloud our judgement. You did watch 60mins two weeks ago if not I suggest you google it.
Insider
Roar Rookie
Barry my argument is innocent until proven guilty, I’m not commenting on JDB lawyer as I don’t get my info from the ABC. If you read what I’ve posted nothing refers to any statement other than the NRL’s. Question based on the pain experienced by Brett Stewart should we not allow the law to determine facts first?
The Barry
Roar Guru
No, that’s not what this conversation is about and no one has said that JDB has been found guilty. You’re denying the lawyers statement even occurred, unless someone can prove it to you. Do you switch personalities when you switch log-ins...?