Will NRL players ever learn?
that doesn’t make it any easier to deal with the media fallout and public backlash.
He was, understandably, shattered. Embarrassed. He wasn’t making excuses. He accepted responsibility.
We spoke about his initial media interview and apology. He knew his credibility was immediately damaged with the release of additional videos. He knows he deserves whatever punishment and criticism is coming his way.
What’s important is his actions from this point on. I have no doubt he will make it up to his teammates, his club and the game.
It was a bad day. It doesn’t mean it’s a bad life.
The Addo-Carr and Mitchell breaches were completely different. By their own admission, this was a planned exercise. Not only were they putting themselves above the rest of the community, but they were disobeying instructions from the NRL and their clubs. With the activities they had planned, they were also putting themselves in danger of serious physical injury, let alone increasing the chances of being exposed to the virus we are all trying to beat.
Their antics showed a total disregard for the laws that are in place and the responsibilities they have to this game.
The most sickening part of this sorry saga, was that anyone who publicly criticised the pair was attacked with accusations of racial discrimination because these players also happen be indigenous. In some sections of social media, this campaign was orchestrated and co-ordinated. Really nasty stuff.
In my opinion, these three players should have been stood down for the season. I regard these breaches of trust as very serious.
Now, to my final point. When are footballers going to learn mobile phones, photos and videos are not their friend? If last year’s sex-tape scandals were not enough warning to our players about the dangers of photographing and filming their recreational activities for the world to see, then what will it take to get the message through their thick skulls?
I’ve been in this game for 45 years. I’ve seen it all. I’ve seen the best of them and the worst of them. But, honestly, some of the dumb stuff we witness these days just defies belief.
From the time they come into rugby league pathway systems, players are lectured continuously about the dangers of mobile phones and social media. The damage that can be done to their reputations, their families, their clubs and the game itself is enormous.
Yet, as soon as they drift away from the controlled environment of the training field and the dressing room, off goes their heads and on goes a pumpkin.
The NRL has reached a fork in the road. I’m sure there are times when this has been said before, but at no time in history has it been more accurate. This game is precariously placed financially right now.
The virus thunderbolt that was delivered to our planet only four months ago has changed lives forever: people have lost loved ones; businesses have been destroyed; people who could ill afford it have become unemployed. The recovery period will be long and arduous.
You blokes who play this game are among the lucky ones. You can be a part of the recovery in this country in the way you can inspire, entertain and lift the spirits of our sport-starved public.
Please, stop behaving like selfish, immature boofheads. Start acting like the professionals you profess to be. Work on becoming an asset to this game, our communities and our country in general.
Phil Gould was a prominent former rugby league player and coach before moving into administration and media roles.