Disgraced ex-Melbourne Storm boss Brian Waldron has finally apologised for his role in the salary cap scandal that resulted in the NRL club being stripped of two premierships.
The Storm lost their 2007 and 2009 titles when a 2010 NRL investigation revealed systemic salary cap cheating.
No players or coaching staff were implicated but Waldron was described as the “chief rat” behind the rorting.
Waldron had earlier resigned to take up the chief executive role at the Melbourne Rebels Super Rugby franchise but quit and went to ground after his involvement was revealed.
He has maintained his silence in the four years since until a column on The New Daily website, where he writes about sport and business.
“Regretfully I got ahead of myself. It’s absolutely appropriate that I apologise to all those hurt by my actions and I do so without reservation,” Waldron wrote.
“Leaders are accountable whether by their actions, their inactions or their naivety. Be it about salary cap breaches, recruitment errors, coaching appointments or the pursuit of scientific advantage, the buck stops at the top.”
He didn’t fully explain what drove him to cheat, saying that ego and emotion were a “dangerous cocktail of trouble” as clubs searched for a competitive edge.
“Invariably disaster happens when those in positions of authority or influence let their emotions and ego determine their decisions.
“Actions occur that are detrimental to the club, the interest of the code and sometimes even the health and well-being of the players.”
“In such situations boundaries are pushed collectively and individually. Processes are broken. Policies are ignored. Risks are taken. Expensive decisions are made in search of that competitive edge.”
Apart from losing two premierships, the Storm were fined $1.7m and made to play for no premiership points through the 2010 season.
Waldron said he had done a lot of good in his administration roles at the Storm and earlier at AFL club St Kilda.
“Regretfully the good is quickly forgotten when wrongdoings are laid bare. I understand and accept this is the consequence of inappropriate actions.”
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