So once again we have one of our players getting into trouble, on an issue you really would think modern footballers would know better about. In the UK, we've seen Dave Taylor and Fuifui get booted out of their club and it really does seem endless.
The reality is, we're dealing with 20-something-year old blokes - most of whom are the type of guys who in-built into their DNA is aggression, risk-taking and a general lack of care for self. And to boot a lot have come from under privileged families, and suddenly find themselves with a lot of admirers and money! If you wanted to put together a focus group of humans who are likely to get themselves into situations they shouldn't be getting themselves into it, Rugby League players are it.
So as much as all clubs tend to talk about good culture, and a no-dickheads policy, the reality is - if you policed that properly, you'd probably end up with a pretty average football team.
So I'm interested in people's thoughts on how any club might best manage the situation:
1) Should the clubs put a lot more effort into helping the players not to get into trouble. eg. how hard would it be to have a club-Uber account, and you encourage the players to make use of that anytime thy're going to have a drink.
2) Do you literally put draconian limits on the players - only having approved venues they can socialise in, no alchohol during various periods?
3) Everyone talks about education - it it done in practice,do we do it right?
4) Make them sign contracts with big whopping fines for behaviour breaches
5) Do actually implement a no dope policy
6) There's not actually a problem. Boys will be boys and you just have to accept it's going to happen and deal with it on an individual basis.
Replies
Great blog...sometimes you wonder with all the money these guys make is it that bloody hard to uber or catch a cab between drinking sessions....there is soo much education/counseling the NRL or a club can offer to players as to the consequences of bad conduct as it affects the clubs branding negatively which means corporate dollars.
Draconian limits will and should not be implemented as we live in a nanny state as it is...so wont work. I think placing the onus on the player to represent the club in a professional manner if that means they get done for DUI etc then they should have clauses in their contract which triggers fines, termination.
Its only preseason and Tony Williams has already allowed the Daily telecrap to feast on negative news on the eels. God help us!! lol
4 and 6, deal with it on an individual basis.
4 . - fine the shot out of them . They earn big bucks and can friggin call and afford their own uber. I used to go out on 21,000 a year and pay for taxis . Suck it up boys and behave !!
Ummm I paid for lots !!! Why would u say that?? I actually paid for all my clothes as soon as I started at maccas at 14.5 my parents said you want sportsgirl you pay for it .
never been spoilt - by anyone
Nice Carlo
You only react or get angry at things you relate too.
Are you ok Carlo?
I'm fine didn't appreciate an assumption I had my drinks and dinner paid for but ... I let very few ppl buy me drinks ,and none after I was rohypnoled one night !!!!:-((
Carls when you going to the foos?
Was last night, was good but they jammed a bit too much..., I cannot believe how the younger gen pay hundreds of dollars for tix and get up and down past you allnightvgetting their trays of horrible beer and stepping on you!!
almost tripped one over, how disrespectful to the artists !!':-((
Their all on the gas, cant sit still lol
Sorry to hear it wasnt the best gig.
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