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I must have missed something. Because the press conference called by All Blacks management on Zac Guildford’s drinking problem revealed nothing remotely newsworthy.
Unless you’re in the league of low-life Queenstown bouncer Jonathan Dixon – the bloke responsible for posting the illegally obtained CCTV footage of Mike Tindall.
Shand tells us Guildford got sloshed after his Tri-Nations shocker. And Shand says Guildford admits having an alcohol problem that he is working through.
So what business is that of the rugby public?
And since when did management get off on humiliating players as part of the remedy for recovery?
Manager Darren Shand claimed the conference was necessary to dampen so-called speculation around the issue.
Was there really such a frenzy that warranted Guildford’s public trial by media? Because given the facts as presented, this issue was a dead duck and destined to die a natural death.
Said manager Shand, “In this environment we like to support players. Let’s keep this in context, it was a minor incident. He breached an agreement he had with the coaches. He didn’t breach any team protocols. He just purely breached an expectation the coaching group and senior management had with him.”
In this environment we like to support players? Garbage. Hanging one of your boys out to dry in front of a global audience for breaching what amounts to nothing more than a private arrangement is one of the most appalling acts ever mandated by management.
Shand implores the media to keep things in “context”.
Hypocrite!
Context would have involved Shand issuing a brief statement informing media there was no substance to the speculation, whatever it was. End of story. No names. No details. Because there aren’t any.
The most painful part of this interview was watching Guildford being forced to endure it while Shand pontificated. Gosh. If Guildford ever needed a reason to drink, that was it.
Zac delivered his confession on cue before being ushered away to focus on what really matters, the rugby.
But he’ll be well advised to avoid all television, newspapers, Internet and social media until the pinnacle tournament is over.
Because Shand just made Zac Guildford a household name for all the wrong reasons. As if the young underperformer wasn’t under enough pressure already.
Keep your chin up buddy. Here’s hoping you find New Zealand’s rugby public a more ‘supportive environment’ than the one your manager lives in. I think you will.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.