I am of the view that there should be zero tolerance towards acts of thuggery, drink driving, illicit drug taking, public nuisance or offensive behaviour, and of course the big ones of domestic violence and violence of any sort against women. Just as the NRL has a highly codified and quite complex set of gradings and punishments for on field behaviour, it needs one to cover off field incidents.
Here is the catch however, this clearly defined code of behaviour and penalties needs to be developed through a consultative process that involves the players’ representatives, some fan based representation, some legal advisors, some mental and health experts. It should be given priority but should also be given time – a whole season if needs be – to be developed. Then time to commented upon and tweaked if needed, before implementation.
Three separate elements ought to make up the NRL response to matters that bring the game in to disrepute:
- A financial penalty
- A suitable (predetermined according to the code) ban for a number of matches, and
- Compulsory attendance at some form of counselling, training, guidance program as deemed fit.
I would add a fourth condition if alcohol is a factor in the behaviour (which MOST of the time it is) and this would involve the closer monitoring of drinking levels by the player/s involved.
Effectively this is a NO DICKHEADS POLICY.
ALL the key stakeholders need to be heard and involved in its development and implementation.
If you want to play this great game at an elite level, and to make a living from it, then you have to accept the responsibilities that come with it. I don’t think of players as role models, this is not about that at all, it is all about acting as responsible, decent, grateful, human beings and about developing a code that even dickheads can plainly understand.
Replies
Far to much common sense for the NRL commission to understand. If it is presented to them in a colour in book they might be able to understand it.
I agree totally, The players have a blessed life, playing footy & earning a minimum of $100k a year. That is really good coin as most of us don't earn anywhere near that. The NRL need to get tough on these guy's & just rub out the ones that are caught for serious crimes no matter who they are.
De belin is a married man, what was he doing out with another girl? Why put yourself in these positions?
If he is getting paid by the club, i have no problem with him sitting out until a decision in court has been made.
Ok mate what about dylan walker? There are witnesses claiming they saw him bash his mrs in public.
He has pleaded not guilty. So should we be supporting him aswell because he’s pleaded not guilty, even though he will probably be found guilty??
I hear what you are saying bug, but the simple fact is that they are public figures regardless of their age as they are classed as adults by the time they get into the NRL. They are told over & over about their obligations & if they can't comply then there is another kid right behind them waiting for a go. This is a multi billion dollar game & sponsers will walk away in droves if this continues, which is exactly why the NRL reacted at all. If I bugger up I loose my job & my family suffers. When they stuff up the team the coaching staff the club the game the sponsors & most importantly the fans suffer. They need to learn not to get themselves into this prediciment. I 54 years old & I got through life without getting into these situations.
Interesting post and thanks Jim - no doubt you have put in a lot of thinking time on this subject . I agree changes are desirable even necessary however I am totally against any player being suspended from playing based on allegations only and before the seriousness of the allegations is confirmed as true. I don’t care how serious the allegation or police charge is subject to one exception which is that if in place was a procedure where a nominated person or group considered and formed the opinion that should the allegations be true the majority of NRL players would reasonably not be happy to take the field ( or train ) with the player concerned. Axe murders and people like George Pell would fail and be suspended from playing of course . But not low range drink drivers . nor I suspect alleged domestic violence offenders who deny the allegations.
Yes I agree that all players should be made aware of the increased serious penalties for being a stupid dickhead , and worse than being a stupid dickhead , that there will be much tougher penalties should they commit ( due to psychological problems leading to the commission of ) domestic violence or sexual or indecent assault conduct . A free confidential direct psychologist’s phone number should be made available to players if they have mental health issues . This is pro active and in the best interests of the game without doubt.
if this option is not availed of by a player experiencing problems then it could be argued that the player has less grounds for being treated leniently as a result of any pre condition. I think it is worth considering whether there is room for an independent person or group to decide what is appropriate for a ‘ naughty ‘ player rather than the players NRL club and even NRL through its CEO making the decision. However I think that a zero policy should only apply when player has admitted the allegations or otherwise has been found guilty of same after a court hearing . Further I do not think zero policy should automatically apply to first offenders ( I.e. I believe it should not be ‘ one strike and you are out ‘ , but of course depending on the seriousness of of the players conduct ) as young adults learn from their ( at least not serious )mistakes including when alcohol is involved.
If justice is not for all then it is for no one, walker may be as guilty as hell but was it not the woman he is accused of bashing holding his hand at court, alledgrf witnesses may be lying or plain wrong, ONLY a trial will establish the truth, not us.