There is no doubt about the players breaching the code of conduct. I just don't think that it deserves sacking. These are young guys , full of testosterone and girls wanting some interaction . I'm no saint, and whilst it is a power imbalance --the players have that, they were simply being foolish , something I have been guilty of. Why did Inglis for example, retain his position when he knowingly got behind the wheel of his Mercedes , when intoxicated and speeding, escape punishment?Just for some context:
- Generally spouses/partners do not travel with the team. There may be dispensation for selected cases, but that would be an arrangement made with the club in advance of the trip. 'No women in hotel rooms' specifically refers to pickups and arrangements not made in advance.
- No doubt there's girls in hotel rooms on other occasions - but are they girls who were met (at least in Okunbor's case) at a club/NRL sanctioned function which potentially breached duty of care rules that apply to school visits - that likely is a difference.
- I don't think a comparison to the Oatlands incident is accurate. The offender in that case is facing 20 very serious charges (as he should be). Other incidents (eg: De Belin / Scott) are before the courts - this is not a criminal matter. No doubt, if found guilty through a legal process, those offenders will be sanctioned by the NRL.
- I don't think the NRL picks and chooses who it punishes arbitrarily. I agree on the surface it looks inconsistent, but there's reasons why. It's not just Greenberg wielding power.
There is inconsistency here and that is what irks fans. The NRL takes sponsorship from gambling agencies and the various beer companies knowing the terrible statistics levelled on both those activities. The Telegraph are hypocrites . They have been running an anti-Muslim agenda for a long time through "journos" like Miranda Devine et al. The Doggies have a huge Muslim following , which is wonderful. The DT run a right wing, anti -multicultural position. Anything that reinforces that, like the Bulldogs' misdemeanours are publicised. Look at Mad Monday. The DT photographers camped outside the pub until they caught some players doing silly things. They are an awful organisation, the Murdoch press. BTW I like your post.