Re: NRL Players Misbehaving
Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2019 2:13 pm
Big news today...
https://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/arl-c ... 119f0491b9
ARL Commission meeting to deliver clarity on player behaviour controversy
news.com.au
28 Feb 2019
Dragons NRL star Jack de Belin has found out his fate today after a dramatic meeting of rugby league bigwigs delivered a crushing decision.
Under-fire NRL star Jack de Belin has been stood down after a bombshell decision from the ARL and NRL boss Todd Greenberg on Thursday.
The ARL commission revealed changes to its policy on Thursday after a lengthy meeting at Moore Park, allowing for players accused of serious crimes to be stood down pending the outcome of their court cases.
Dragons CEO Brian Johnston addressed the media after a long morning of waiting at the NRL headquarters.
“We are just about to head off now and give consideration to the changes the NRL are making to the rules so we can digest that and understand, clearly, what it means,” he said.
Channel Nine reporter Danny Weidler revealed De Belin, who is contesting a charge of aggravated sexual assault, would be “stood down” and said Dylan Walker also be spending time on the sidelines.
Peter Beattie confirmed the news at a press conference at 1pm.
“What we are doing is to set a benchmark and a standard to defend the game of rugby league,” he said, citing a need to repair the damaged reputation of the game.
“Our aim is to rebuild the game. This is about a standard that is expected from players who wish to play in the NRL competition.”
Greenberg stressed the NRL is making no judgement on the current trial and confirmed de Belin would be able to continue to train with the Dragons.
The new policy dictates that any player who is charged with an offence that carries a prison term of 11 years or more will be automatically stood down.
Rugby league great Phil Gould was particularly critical of the decision, voicing his opinion on social media on Thurday.
“Many in RL circles will be affected by what’s about to happen in next 48 hours,” Phil Gould allegedly posted in a tweet, now deleted.
“The actions about to be taken, will instigate a wide range of reactions.
“We could witness absolute chaos, welcome enlightenment, or even irreparable damage. Emotions will run high. I see few winners.”
After a summer marked by negative headlines and a string of scandals, the NRL has been hit from pillar to post and was pressured to act.
Manly’s Walker, who has pleaded not guilty to common assault stemming from an alleged domestic violence incident, could also be stood aside while he is before the courts.
ARLC chairman Peter Beattie has been vocal about the need for change while respected voices such as Australian coach Mal Meninga also feel that it would be the right thing for the game.
“I’m black and white, particularly when it comes to serious crimes,” Meninga said at the Fox League launch on Wednesday.
“I say those things because I understand some of the great things that the game does in the communities.
“I understand we have great welfare systems. And I also understand there’s a young lady who has made these allegations, there’s a duty of care to make sure we look after her.”
The RLPA is standing firm behind its members and argues that the NRL already has the ability under its code of conduct to sideline players if there is evidence of misbehaviour.
The players’ union also argues that cases such as de Belin are different from examples of corporate leaders being stood aside while they answer criminal charges and that any time spent out of the game would be catastrophic for their career and right to earn a living.
It’s understood that the RLPA would stand behind any player who sues the NRL if they are stood down.
As part of any changes, the NRL is expected to also approve salary cap relief for any player who is stood down.
https://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/arl-c ... 119f0491b9
ARL Commission meeting to deliver clarity on player behaviour controversy
news.com.au
28 Feb 2019
Dragons NRL star Jack de Belin has found out his fate today after a dramatic meeting of rugby league bigwigs delivered a crushing decision.
Under-fire NRL star Jack de Belin has been stood down after a bombshell decision from the ARL and NRL boss Todd Greenberg on Thursday.
The ARL commission revealed changes to its policy on Thursday after a lengthy meeting at Moore Park, allowing for players accused of serious crimes to be stood down pending the outcome of their court cases.
Dragons CEO Brian Johnston addressed the media after a long morning of waiting at the NRL headquarters.
“We are just about to head off now and give consideration to the changes the NRL are making to the rules so we can digest that and understand, clearly, what it means,” he said.
Channel Nine reporter Danny Weidler revealed De Belin, who is contesting a charge of aggravated sexual assault, would be “stood down” and said Dylan Walker also be spending time on the sidelines.
Peter Beattie confirmed the news at a press conference at 1pm.
“What we are doing is to set a benchmark and a standard to defend the game of rugby league,” he said, citing a need to repair the damaged reputation of the game.
“Our aim is to rebuild the game. This is about a standard that is expected from players who wish to play in the NRL competition.”
Greenberg stressed the NRL is making no judgement on the current trial and confirmed de Belin would be able to continue to train with the Dragons.
The new policy dictates that any player who is charged with an offence that carries a prison term of 11 years or more will be automatically stood down.
Rugby league great Phil Gould was particularly critical of the decision, voicing his opinion on social media on Thurday.
“Many in RL circles will be affected by what’s about to happen in next 48 hours,” Phil Gould allegedly posted in a tweet, now deleted.
“The actions about to be taken, will instigate a wide range of reactions.
“We could witness absolute chaos, welcome enlightenment, or even irreparable damage. Emotions will run high. I see few winners.”
After a summer marked by negative headlines and a string of scandals, the NRL has been hit from pillar to post and was pressured to act.
Manly’s Walker, who has pleaded not guilty to common assault stemming from an alleged domestic violence incident, could also be stood aside while he is before the courts.
ARLC chairman Peter Beattie has been vocal about the need for change while respected voices such as Australian coach Mal Meninga also feel that it would be the right thing for the game.
“I’m black and white, particularly when it comes to serious crimes,” Meninga said at the Fox League launch on Wednesday.
“I say those things because I understand some of the great things that the game does in the communities.
“I understand we have great welfare systems. And I also understand there’s a young lady who has made these allegations, there’s a duty of care to make sure we look after her.”
The RLPA is standing firm behind its members and argues that the NRL already has the ability under its code of conduct to sideline players if there is evidence of misbehaviour.
The players’ union also argues that cases such as de Belin are different from examples of corporate leaders being stood aside while they answer criminal charges and that any time spent out of the game would be catastrophic for their career and right to earn a living.
It’s understood that the RLPA would stand behind any player who sues the NRL if they are stood down.
As part of any changes, the NRL is expected to also approve salary cap relief for any player who is stood down.