http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/...7-23214,00.html
Doust confirms some of Thompson's claim
By Todd Balym
March 1, 2006
ST George-Illawarra chief executive Peter Doust has admitted speaking to Lance Thompson about a post-football career with the club, but he denies such an offer was ever included in the former Dragons captain's contract.
Doust responded today to the former Dragons back rower's claims that the club had assured him a post-football job worth a $100,000 a year in return for taking a $200,000 pay cut in 2005.
The Dragons boss wouldn't categorically deny Thompson's claims, conceding the player's future was often discussed but saying that an agreement never existed on paper.
"I said before in various locations that Lance and I often talked about what he would do after football," Doust said.
"I was always concerned as was he about what his future may hold post-football. We talked about coaching qualifications and coaching jobs.
"But as I said before, we negotiated a determination of our arrangements in 2005 and that determination was confidential and registered with the salary cap auditor and that is all I want to say about it."
The NRL has launched a preliminary investigation into the claims made by Thompson, who now plays for the Sharks, on the Nine Network on Monday.
Thompson's manager, Khoder Nasser, also weighed into the debate yesterday, challenging Doust to take legal action against his client to prove the job guarantee did not exist.
But Doust said today that he would like to talk to the former Dragons veteran, who left the club on bitter terms last December, to resolve the situation.
"I think we will talk about it, Lance and I, because I think we had a respect for each other over a long period of time," he said.
"Obviously things weren't as we would have liked previously around Christmas and so forth ... I have no reason not to talk to him due to the fact I hold a great deal of respect for him and what he did as a football player with our club.
"I don't want to pitch any remarks about Lance.
"I don't know why we come back to these sorts of things, and I don't want to offer any remarks about Lance about what he is thinking or feeling until I actually talk to him about it.
"We want to move on and I honestly think Lance wants to move on as far as his career is concerned and it's a shame we are brought back to those sorts of issues.
"I really believe it is better for everybody if we just move on."
NRL chief executive David Gallop confirmed the league would investigate Thompson's claims fully, and that it may call upon Thompson to justify his statement.
AAP
Summary Section for above article including translations
ST George-Illawarra chief executive Peter Doust has admitted speaking to Lance Thompson about a post-football career with the club, but he denies such an offer was ever included in the former Dragons captain's contract.
Doust responded today to the former Dragons back rower's claims that the club had assured him a post-football job worth a $100,000 a year in return for taking a $200,000 pay cut in 2005.
The Dragons boss wouldn't categorically deny Thompson's claims, conceding the player's future was often discussed but saying that an agreement never existed on paper.
OK, it was a handshake deal.
"But as I said before, we negotiated a determination of our arrangements in 2005 and that determination was confidential and registered with the salary cap auditor and that is all I want to say about it."
The NRL has launched a preliminary investigation into the claims made by Thompson, who now plays for the Sharks, on the Nine Network on Monday.
Thompson's manager, Khoder Nasser, also weighed into the debate yesterday, challenging Doust to take legal action against his client to prove the job guarantee did not exist.
Thompsons manager has pretty much confirmed that he will testify that the deal occurred.
But Doust said today that he would like to talk to the former Dragons veteran, who left the club on bitter terms last December, to resolve the situation.
"I think we will talk about it, Lance and I, because I think we had a respect for each other over a long period of time," he said.
"Obviously things weren't as we would have liked previously around Christmas and so forth ... I have no reason not to talk to him due to the fact I hold a great deal of respect for him and what he did as a football player with our club.
Doust is willing to pay Thompson to shut up.
"I really believe it is better for everybody if we just move on."
We don't want to lose points.