If you think Latrell Mitchell’s manager is having a tough time finding his client a new contract, then imagine how hard it would be to spruik for Israel Folau’s next job.
Following his settlement with Rugby Australia on Wednesday over his unfair dismissal case, Folau stated that the governing body’s “acknowledgment and apology” meant he had been vindicated.
“(We) can now move on with our lives to focus on our faith and our family,” he said.
People will make up their own minds whether Folau’s provocative posts were a justifiable expression of freedom of religion, or a sackable offence. Some might be caught in the middle.
Either way, the court of public opinion – which is powered by the social media beast – means feedback on such sensitive issues is fast and often brutal.
But it’s worth pondering whether there’s a CEO of a professional club or boss of a sporting body that would be willing to take on Folau. What would their opinions be? Folau thinks he’s been vindicated, but could he find a home in the professional sporting sphere?
Of course, Izzy might decide that he’s had enough of rugby union and rugby league and at the age of 30 call it quits. He might choose to devote himself to his religious work. Maybe his wife Maria will be working while Izzy counts his settlement dollars.
But let’s suppose that he’s keen to play on. Would anyone take him if he wants to continue his religious crusade during his playing career?
Rugby in Australia? Ludicrous, right? After all that’s just happened.
RA boss Raelene Castle was asked on Thursday whether Folau would play rugby in Australia again. She replied with a “never say never” before qualifying it by saying she assumed he would not sign a contract with the same Code of Conduct that resulted in his sacking in April. If it did happen, the Rebels in Melbourne would suit him best. Or the Crusaders?
What about a return to the NRL? They’ve previously said Folau wouldn’t be welcome back in the 13-man code he played at the start of his career. At the very least, you’d expect them to insist on tight restrictions regarding social media use.
The NRL’s relatively recent call to institute the “no-fault stand down” for players, like Jack de Belin, who are charged with serious criminal offences is another example of their eagerness to make the game easily marketable and appealing to sponsors and fans.
Izzy might garner interest from rugby clubs in Europe and Japan, or rugby league clubs in England – or Canada – but similarly, there’s unlikely to be a club boss or association willing to give Folau carte blanche to communicate his more controversial religious beliefs.
Sponsors and fans are the stakeholders that hold plenty of power and clubs and governing bodies aren’t willing to risk taking a hit to their brand. They need to be in control.
Folau’s next step is likely to include some involvement in lobbying for legislation changes to give him and others more scope to express their religious freedom.
“We started this journey on behalf of all people of faith, to protect their rights of freedom of speech and religion,” he said after reaching the settlement with his former employer.
“We now look forward to the federal government enacting the legislation necessary to further protect and strengthen these rights for all Australians.”
Maybe Folau needs to find an individual sport so he can appreciate how hard it is to find sponsors when you’re moralising away from the sporting arena. You take the responsibility on yourself and avoid the pesky demand to adhere to team-first principles. But even then, governing bodies demand a level of courtesy and discretion that may be difficult for Izzy to reconcile with his religious work.
What’s my Folau forecast? Legislation won’t move fast enough – if at all – to help him.
Izzy will need to compromise if he wants to land his next contract, even though he says “I only share passages from the Bible as a gesture of love”.
He will want to play as he’s got four or so solid years in front of him. He will be forced to agree to temper his preaching. Why? Because like any preacher, Izzy wants to be spreading his message to as many people as possible and he can only do that while he’s playing.
His potential audience is much greater when he’s a sportsman. Fewer people listen when you’re not in the spotlight. He will need to share religious messages and judgements that are more digestible for the public and more obviously delivered “as a gesture of love”.
Think he won’t back down? His convictions are too strong? He’s come too far now? Hell no, he’ll be back; he will tone it down. He will just have to save the controversial and extreme messages – the tough love – for post-playing.
coldturkey
Roar Rookie
"SEVU REECE was accused of domestic battery and found not guilty but lost his contract with guess where ?" Actually he wasn't found not guilty, he was discharged without conviction. That's a whole different thing. It means he pleaded guilty to battering his partner but as a conviction would mean that he would not be able to get a contract as a rugby player overseas, or even in a lot of cases not be granted a visa, a conviction was not recorded. That's a sweet deal that the New Zealand justice system gives to rugby players who have potential. Normal Joe's get convicted.
dunnarguen
Roar Rookie
wasn't the payout covered by insurance?
Uriah Heep
Roar Rookie
tend to agree
CUW
Roar Rookie
i should have said ULSTER - he is currently playing for London Irish and it was in my head. sorry for that one.
Cmon
Guest
You clearly don’t understand NFL as you’ve just described RU I.e. kick chassy
DaveJ
Roar Rookie
The hostility is towards minority non-Orthodox sects. It's not evenly hostile. I've actually lived there a couple of times so know a bit about the place.
CUW
Roar Rookie
pricetag - jessie j
CUW
Roar Rookie
PADDY JACKSON was found not guilty by a court of law of rape. nevertheless : London Irish and IRELAND said they will not employ him regardless - due to the allegation he was involved in a gang rape. also - it is not an ongoing thing like twittering every week. of course if there was another incident then Paddy will never work again. why go so far ? SEVU REECE was accused of domestic battery and found not guilty but lost his contract with guess where ? Connacht in IRELAND they seem to have a rule which says if ur charged with a crime ur guilty even if ur not !!!
CUW
Roar Rookie
he had gone to Bulldogs - with a proposition that the club can always scrutinize his posts before he put them up. to make sure the posts are acceptable to all. things must be desperate - despite all the millions of dollars :P
CUW
Roar Rookie
u missed RELAX - Frankie Goes to Hollywood " Relax, don't do it When you want to go to it Relax, don't do it When you want to come "
dunnarguen
Roar Rookie
Couldn’t disagree more........Putin has virtually reinstated the Orthodox Church as part of his dictator for life program . Folau might find a niche market there peddling his load of old bollocks. Incidentally, have been to Russia, loved it, the international perception is not the reality , it’s very modern, clean and the people we met were friendly and helpful.
dunnarguen
Roar Rookie
Had to log in just to thank you for that reply
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
Walter White, would it be ok for someone in Folaus church to racially abuse him and continue to maintain that stance without any action? The idea that we can say what ever we like without consequences doesn't exist.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Maybe it's god's will the club offered him the money he wanted? That's definitely not saying it's not about the money either way.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
See his comments on his move to Toronto. 'It was Gods will ' . If God had decided on Batley instead well that's that. Just luck it was the club that offered 10mil.
Gray-Hand
Roar Rookie
And it turns out 4 was a 5:20am rant about lefties and SJWs. Can’t beat the classics.
Tom G
Roar Rookie
I hear that the Westboro Baptist Church are after a second tambourine
numpty
Roar Rookie
100% correct. RA repeatedly tried to nip this issue in the bud to minimise damage.
Malotru
Roar Rookie
Not hatred Justin? Really just read some of the posts, rather stronger than distaste.
Andy F
Roar Rookie
Love is love