John Ribot Just Been Sacked

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Storm Angel
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Just heard on the news, John Ribot has been sacked. No explanation.
cookieduster
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Could have fallen of the chair when this came over 9.
Recon its got plenty to do with the non disclosure of the troubles.
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simo
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im shocked :shock:
Storm Angel
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Just posted on Melbourne Storm website:
RIBOT TO STAND DOWN AS STORM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Mar 12, 2004

JOHN RIBOT

John Ribot has today announced he is standing down as executive director and chief executive of Melbourne Storm, but will continue to have a close involvement with the National Rugby League club.

Ribot said he has found it difficult to devote sufficient time to Melbourne Storm since taking on dual roles as executive director and chief executive, following the departure of Chris Johns in 2002. At the same time, Ribot's other business interests have become increasingly more demanding.

News Limited is purchasing Ribot's 25 per cent interest in the Storm, making News Limited the 100 per cent owner. Ribot will continue as a consultant to the club for five years.

Both News Limited and Ribot said the decision was not a result of the current police investigation involving two Storm players.

"It is a something I have been contemplating and discussing with News Limited for several months," Ribot said.

"It is a sad day for me because I have become so emotionally involved with the club and its people. The supporters have been fantastic, their support and that of our corporate partners has been tremendous.

"The highlight of my involvement with Melbourne Storm has been the loyalty of staff and the lifelong friendships I have formed with them and our supporters. These relationships have made this such a difficult decision.

"The desire of News Limited to keep me in a consultancy role allows me to continue to commit to the Storm's future. I believe the team faces its most exciting year and I look forward to contributing to that success through my consultancy.

"Melbourne Storm is the team I'll always support, and whilst the challenges of this project have been difficult, they certainly have been extremely rewarding."

Ribot was instrumental in establishing Melbourne Storm in 1998. In its first season, the club finished in third place, just one win behind minor premiers Brisbane.

The next season, Melbourne Storm won the Premiership.

News Limited chief executive officer, Mr John Hartigan, paid tribute to Ribot's role as a cornerstone of the club's phenomenal success.

"John has quickly made Melbourne Storm one of the country’s most successful rugby league clubs," Hartigan said.

"The Storm has built up a loyal following of supporters. John has spent his life in football and we are delighted he is staying at the club so the Storm can continue to rely on his experience."

As well as his consultancy with Melbourne Storm, Ribot will continue to develop his other business interests in Australia and overseas.

Mr Frank Stanton will replace Ribot as acting chief executive officer until a replacement is found. Mr Stanton is currently a senior News Limited executive advising on its rugby league interests.

Mr Stanton has extensive experience in all aspects of rugby league and its administration. He is a former chief executive officer of Manly Warringah rugby league club and was acting chief executive officer of the North Queensland Cowboys in 2001.

News Limited will begin its search immediately for a new Melbourne Storm CEO.
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:shock:
let's hope this does not negatively effect any negotiations with players and coaches!
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Now yesterday's article about Frank Stanton (now our interim CEO) & another guy doing the negotiations with Bellamy's manager instead of Ribot makes more sense.
Storm Angel wrote:John Ribot has been sacked. No explanation.
Typical negative spin that the Melbourne media & Ch Nein put on everything. Although I guess a lot of the time "standing down" is a euphemism for jumping before you're pushed, but the fact he's still a consultant would indicate there's no bad blood.
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100% owned by News Limited now... not sure about how I like the idea of that. Precarious situation I think
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Without knowing any details - the picture as it looks to me is that News Ltd were annoyed / angry / upset with the handling of the "incident". This led to them taking a more active role with the club - particularly with the negotiations with Bellamy.

I would expect that NewsLtd requested Ribot jump before being pushed - and they negotiated a settlement including the buyout of his 25%, and a consultancy guaranteeing him 5 years income.

But that's all pure speculation.

As for News now owning 100% - could be beneficial or a negative. With them in charge - it could result in greater resources and promotion - or they could just pull up stumps looking for a better market. Time will tell.
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That's exactly what I was thinking Buzz, lets hope they mass promote the club
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NZ Storm wrote:Now yesterday's article about Frank Stanton (now our interim CEO) & another guy doing the negotiations with Bellamy's manager instead of Ribot makes more sense.
my thought aslo, you beat me to it
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Surandy
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Buzz wrote:Without knowing any details - the picture as it looks to me is that News Ltd were annoyed / angry / upset with the handling of the "incident". This led to them taking a more active role with the club - particularly with the negotiations with Bellamy.

I would expect that NewsLtd requested Ribot jump before being pushed - and they negotiated a settlement including the buyout of his 25%, and a consultancy guaranteeing him 5 years income.

But that's all pure speculation.

As for News now owning 100% - could be beneficial or a negative. With them in charge - it could result in greater resources and promotion - or they could just pull up stumps looking for a better market. Time will tell.
It might be just pure speculation on your part Buzz but it seriously makes sense. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if you have it 100% right.

Just a note, last year Reebs was reported to be in discussions with Crazy Johns with them looking at taking an equity interest in the Storm. Perhaps Reebs was considering back then of selling them his 25% share in the Storm. Just a thought that there might be something in Reeb's version of events.

Hmm, so that explains why the players had to leave. They were going back to the club rooms for a meeting according to James Avery. The meeting was to be told about Reebs no doubt.
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