Former enforcer in call for huge fines
FORMER rugby league star Ian Roberts, who sustained multiple concussions, has proposed fines worth up to $100,000 for players who inflict severe brain trauma on rivals through high tackles.
Roberts, the former Souths, Manly, Cowboys, NSW and Australian forward, said current players must realise concussion is a serious issue.
“I’ve been thinking about how they can cut that s..t out of the game. How do they make guys sit up and pay attention because this is dangerous,” said Roberts, among league’s toughest forwards of the modern era.
Roberts, 55, believes players who commit ugly high tackles must be suspended – and then fined heavily.
Those fines, Roberts claims, must be percentage based – either five, 7.5 or 10 per cent – and tailored around the level of contact and a player’s contract value.
“That means players could be fined anywhere between $5000 – for the lowly paid – and $100,000 for $1 million-aseason stars.”
Roberts said he was taken from the field heavily concussed between six to 10 times during his 242-game career between 1986 and 1998.
“For guys to realise this is a really serious (expletive) issue, they have to be big fines. I’m not talking $2000, $3000 or $4000,” Roberts said.
“I’m talking $30,000, $40,000, $50,000 fines.
“It would be percentage based across the board but could be up to $100,000 depending on your contract.
“I’m serious about this. Suspending guys for four to six weeks for high shots, it’s not going to change much.
“This has to be significant so it will impact players and they realise there are consequences for any head trauma. Regardless of where you sit in the hierarchy of player personnel, the consequences have to be equally severe.
“The only way is to hit them in the pocket.
“I know people will laugh at this but there is so much science around us now. There is an awareness globally about all professional contact sports. There are now real life consequences.”
When told of Roberts’ suggestion, NRL head of football Graham Annesley said: “The Commission and management are committed to eliminating contact with the head and neck as much as possible when playing our game.
“The current approach through strong action by referees and the judiciary is definitely having an impact in reducing the number and seriousness of incidents.
“But there may well be additional proposals worthy of consideration so over the coming months we will continue to consult widely.”