If that were the case then CHN and Oku would've been out the door with no chance of coming back .. .not that simple mate.
CHN and Okunbur’s employment matters were dealt with internally by the NRL. The bulldogs football club did not take any action.
The NRL decided at first instance to deregister them (because of the all the negative media publicity at the time) and on appeal the NRL internal appeal’s committee decided to re-instate them (when the were no longer in the spotlight). They were dealt with by the NRL because they breached the NRL’s code of conduct (separate agreements between the NRL and the players).
This was not done in any court of competent jurisdiction (such as the NSW Supreme Court or the Fair Work Tribunal) where employment matters are ordinarily agitated.
Given Lichaa’s missus has publicly made admissions which inculpate Elliot, there is a factual and legal basis to say he brought the club into disrepute. He can argue he didn’t but this is an argument of fact and degree. However, generally where there is community outrage, this is hard to overcome.
Not every act needs to be criminal for a sacking.