SMH article
‘Line crossed:’ Storm complain to NRL, Fox Sports over Bellamy bashing
By Michael Chammas
The Melbourne Storm have sent official complaints to the NRL and Fox Sports about the comments made by journalists working for the broadcaster that were directed at coach Craig Bellamy last week.
The Storm also sent a letter to club members on Saturday night, defending the integrity of the premiership-winning coach after criticism from several News Corp publications over the past week.
The Storm, and in particularly Bellamy, took offence to comments made by NRL 360 host Paul Kent, who said the Storm implemented wrestling tactics "designed to maim and injure players".
“All right let me just say this, Grapple tackle, chicken wing, rolling pin, hip drop, crusher, crocodile rolls, cannon balls, ankle twists,” Kent said on NRL 360.
“The only constant in Melbourne since 2005 when all those tackles have been brought in and later banned in the game is the head coach Craig Bellamy. So I think the less advice we take from Craig Bellamy about the welfare of players the better.
“And you can go to town on that because you know what? They are the ones that are doing it. The game is now producing rules to counter what Melbourne are trying to introduce. I’ve got no stock in it.”Melbourne Storm chief executive Justin Rodski emailed NRL and Fox Sports executives on Saturday, before making their position clear to club members. The Storm said it will not take legal action.
"This week, our coach of the last 19 years was, in our view, unfairly criticised by particular commentators," Rodski said.
"As a club, we appreciate the media has a job to do each week reporting on our great game and our broadcasters are critical to growing our game and giving our fans the chance to watch their team play week in, week out.
"Craig Bellamy is a person of the highest character and integrity, he is a legend of the game, and he deserves to be respected and celebrated for the contribution he has made to the Melbourne Storm and the NRL.
"But most importantly, he is loved by his players, his coaching group, his staff and by the broader Melbourne Storm community, including our members. Let’s make sure we get behind our coach and our team next Friday and show the rest of the competition what the Melbourne Storm is made of."
Both Fox Sports and the NRL declined to comment on the matter, however it's likely the Storm's complaints will fall on deaf ears. The NRL hasn't previously interfered with how the pay television network covers the game, nor does it intend to start now. There's a belief the Storm have gone public with their views in a show of solidarity as they await a decision from Bellamy about his future.
Replies
Paul Kent is my new hero. You've copped it in the past with your "paint it black" pessimism on Parra but you've got balls the size of coconuts going after Rugby League royalty. You say it as you see it. Good man.
Spot on.
It's like a kid complaing to another kid's parents for their kid dobbing their kid for cheating at school.
If the Storm wanted a shit fight with PK he would wipe the floor with them and they know it. Make a daily segment on dirty Storm tackles in the last 20 years. That shit does not rub off once social media starting making a song and dance out of it. He could also remind people of the cap rorting over 5 years.
The "King" is naked and he's floppy.
Kent is a highly political person. He never goes hard at the Raiders (he is a friend of Ricky), Roosters (wants to stay on Uncle Nick's good side) or Souths (wants to be Rusty's mate). But those sides where he has nothing to gain personally he is happy to stick the knife in. Today's its Melbourne, tomorrow it could be the Eels. So yes he's correct on what he said re Storm but he's still a grub.
You're kidding aren't ya? Who gives a shit about his politics. He's a hero for saying it. Done
All true, Muttman. Which means he is a fair weather friend and we may as well ride it while it's shining, because right now his enemy is our enemy. Never look a gift horse in the mouth.
Funny how he's waited all these years until Cunty Smith has left before he had the courage to do it though . He was certaily protecting his future interviews with Smith .
Oh Diddums.
NRL 360, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 18:30 on Fox.
I'm tuning in this week, on the chance that Kent will read that article and say f*** you Storm.
Job done, Kent. Not only is he driving viewership (that is his job...), but he even happens to be on the morally correct side on this issue. Win-win.
Why do majority of journalist protect storm.. I agree with Paul kent storn in my opinion have ruined the nrl .with there tactics just listening to sports channel and they are really protecting the storm .
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