When it comes to the punishment of off-field issues in the NRL, the lack of consistency can be confusing and frustrating.
Breaching the COVID bubble can mean a fine of anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000, as well as two weeks out of the game or none at all.
Lying to the Integrity Unit can get you a four-week stint on the sidelines or just two weeks, seemingly depending on which club you play for.
And where most justice systems see punishments increase in severity for recidivists, in the NRL second offences can see players wiped out of the game for months at a time, or receive a lesser sanction than what they copped for their first indiscretion.
Honestly, fronting the Integrity Unit seems a lot like trying to get a refund for a Margaritaville mixer.
Which is why it was disappointing but none too surprising to see the possibilities floated that Israel Folau would be allowed to return to the NRL – after Peter Beattie had categorically stated he would “not be considered for registration” – and that Shane Flangan could have his coaching suspension cut short, after the NRL had categorically stated they would “give no consideration to expediting his return to a head coaching role”.
We don’t need to delve into what these two did to put themselves in a position whereby their part in the game made headlines – if you’ve read this far, you’re across the respective stories.
Yet here we were, hearing Peter V’landys wheel out his five favourite words – “due process and natural justice” – as to why both Folau and Flanagan might be allowed to make early returns to the competition.
Now when it comes to the likes of Folau and Flangan, plenty are quick to point out that their off-field issues were perhaps at the light end of the scale – that compared to acts of violence against another human being, which many other players have committed yet been allowed to play top-flight footy again, posting nasty things on social media and writing unsanctioned emails are barely a blip on the misbehaviour radar.
Perhaps, but do you know what those players who make criminal mistakes tend to say pretty quickly after the fact?
“Sorry.”
Apologising for your wrongdoing is a crucial part in people forgiving you and allowing you back into the fold, because you are acknowledging you’ve done the wrong thing. This requires self-reflection, empathy and humbling yourself in front of the party you have wronged.
But, of course, words are cheap, which is why you really need to show you’re sorry. This part obviously takes longer, as it’s your actions in similar situations over time that will show that you have were truly sorry to the point you have changed your behaviour.
And on these fronts, Folau and Flanagan have failed miserably.
First we have Folau, who is so obviously not sorry for the damage he did with his online posts that they are still on his public accounts, all these years after the fact.
I’m happy he’s found God and that it seems to bring him peace. Honestly, it’s something I almost envy. But his ongoing failure to acknowledge the harm his words do and have done mean his reported promises not to do it again ring hollow.
He’s a serial offender when it comes to preaching about homosexuality – oddly quiet on the rest of the Bible’s outdated teachings, such as how it’s OK to own slaves and you should stone to death unmarried women who aren’t virgins – likely because every time he’s written about it, he’s thought, “Well, this is clearly true and correct, why wouldn’t I post it online for my hundreds of thousands of followers to see?”
Which is why promises to adhere to a strict set of social media guidelines doesn’t cut it with regards to getting him registered to play again. Ask the administrators he worked with in rugby – they tried this approach!
I’m not asking that Folau abandon his faith in the name of a game of footy. But he surely sees by now that choosing to preach one particular part of his faith – a part which cannot seriously be central to his beliefs, because he doesn’t spend his weekends at the Holy Church of Don’t Be Gay – does damage to untold thousands of people.
So apologise. Say “I’m sorry for speaking out on this issue and I won’t do it again.” You don’t need to delve into your thoughts or beliefs on the matter, just show contrition for blabbing about it and promise you won’t again.
Of course, then comes the part where you actually show you’re sorry.
And this is where Shane Flanagan’s woes reside.
Because while he’s said he’s sorry – wrote a ten-page apology letter, apparently – we’ve heard this from him before.
Flanagan is barred from coaching at the moment because he breached the terms of his suspension the last time he was barred from holding a clipboard, after it was shown he had been in contact with club officials during his time out.
Know a great way to show that you’re not really sorry? Ignore the terms of the penance you’ve been told to serve after your last apology.
The kicker? His last ban was supposed to run from December 2013 to December 2014 but was lifted early, with then Head of Integrity Nick Weeks noting in October ‘14, “The NRL has been impressed with Mr Flanagan’s commitment to meeting the conditions set down for his return.”
Want to know what those “conditions set down for his return” were?
• Complete intensive education and training courses on workplace health and safety, the NRL rules and other integrity and ethical training;
• Demonstrate that he understands the duties of obligations of an NRL head coach; and
• Refrain from dealing directly or indirectly with the Sharks club, team and players.
It’s not exactly ‘you had one job’ but three conditions aren’t arduous, yet Flanagan only saw fit to stick to two.
That’s not to say that Flanagan should never be allowed to coach first grade again, merely that he doesn’t deserve to be granted the favour of a shortened sentence.
Because he might say he’s sorry but he doesn’t show it.
So this time around, he can do his porridge – all of it – and if that means he misses out on a plumb coaching role that pops up this season, well that’s the price he pays for disobeying the rules and then thumbing his nose at his punishment.
Ultimately, we all make mistakes and we all hope that when we do, we can be forgiven.
But we need to acknowledge the error of our ways, apologise and then make amends.
Israel Folau hasn’t done the first two and Shane Flanagan hasn’t done the third.
Kent Dorfman
Roar Rookie
who said we should all do the same thing? Izzy and anyone is free to do whatthey want / say and I really don’t give a rats – just like i don’t give a rats about your comments now you know what they say about opinions mate and yes, everyone does have them
Joe Frost
Editor
Mushi: *reads an article and decides he wishes it was about a different topic* "I don't like all of this article. I'm owed an apology."
Nat
Roar Guru
:laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: Sweetheart, I firmly believe that is your best!! It's always the MENSA candidates who swear and insult to avoid rational discussion. I bet your parents are proud! :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
Kerry Hanson
Guest
Sheep are dumb , but fish are even dumber. Every time I throw the bait out you bite like a dumb fish , even harder than a dumb fish . Having said that . What would I know about bait ? Especially click bait . How many hits now ? Where’s duckman ? Probably in a safe space with you . Sooking . Pair of stewpood khuntz ,in a world overpopulated with stewpood khuntz. Hey phuckhead...I’ve saved the best for last ... You think you think , but your a rich mans sponge, nothing more . I look forward to the next time I stretch your pathetic, and inadequate intellect.
mushi
Roar Guru
Wow so your only come back is highlighting the headline article and not any of the other avenues I talked about or used. Okay then. Clearly you are right Sorry is clearly the hardest word A good editor would have apologised after being caught out writing a trope article dragging out a theme that had almost died
Nat
Roar Guru
What happened? Did it rain? Why have you scrambled back from under your rock? Or was it 7hrs on the thesaurus and your very best is "compos mentis'? :laughing: :laughing: You're going to need a lie down honey. That's a big day for you. :laughing: :laughing:
Nat
Roar Guru
Another of your informed and eloquent replied hey Keza. You cannot answer the very simple questions I ask of you so it's little wonder these big 3-syllable words may confuse you.
Kerry Hanson
Guest
The irony here , is the fact that EWE use the word irony. Your friend always ,,, Keza. BAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Kerry Hanson
Guest
I believe they’ve started a petition to allow Hoppa to be registered. Butt , only if he plays for the opPOOsition.
Kerry Hanson
Guest
Are EWE even compos mentis ? Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.
Nat
Roar Guru
Then why aren't you defending my right to say whatever I want. You know, 1st ammendment and all that! :laughing: :laughing: You cannot spell the words nor do you know what they mean so this interpretation is right up there with your views on similar subjects - dated, d.u.m.b. and ignorant. Now scuttle back under the rock you came from.
Kerry Hanson
Guest
Now now . That kind of talk could be interpreted as HO MO PHO BEE YA And HIP OH CRIT EE KAL And that would box you up with Izzy himself... just saying, not judging or condemning. I’ll leave to contemplate your unacceptable behaviour. I’ve wasted enough time here, so I’m going to FLOCK OFF .
Nat
Roar Guru
I like the fact you are picturing my :football: Keza. How long did you spend thinking about my :football: ? :laughing: :laughing: Where else did your imagination take you? :silly: Have you googled yourself this morning Keza? There's some really interesting stuff. I don't hwo posted those pics from last evening, it's like you didn't know they were being taken. It's probably nothing... :shocked:
The Sporacle
Roar Rookie
Oh and sorry I didn't mean to assume your gender either
The Sporacle
Roar Rookie
And by extending the leg down i mean the sheep and not you, be careful with the rings
The Sporacle
Roar Rookie
Hi Kerry, technically the rubber ring goes above the testes, if one was to place it around the testes then it would cause immense discomfort and ultimately lead to the death of the animal by the way of a nasty infection. If you are unable to locate both you can extend one leg straight (away and down from the cradle) and press into the stomach near the hip to help locate. Not trying to be smart but I thought it might help with your animal welfare practices as you obviously know a lot about sheep. Cheers and happy husbandry
Kerry Hanson
Guest
Baaaaaaaaaa Baaaaaaaaaaaaaa Look at that , Sheeeepie came back again . Quite predictable , you are only a dumb animal after all . And with a very imaginative response I must say. You appear to be getting your nuts in a knot , but then again , you probably had a little rubber ring put around them at three months old, so I don’t know WETHER ( sheep humour) that’s possible. Baaaaaaaaaaa Baaaaaaaaaaaaaa
R N
Roar Rookie
Happy to proven incorrect :silly: Although for the exception my broader sentiment stands.
R N
Roar Rookie
Thanks... good article.
Gray-Hand
Roar Rookie
Dan Palmer came out as gay last year. https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/my-own-death-felt-preferable-to-anyone-discovering-i-was-gay-20201029-p569os.html