Stuart sorry for netball ‘disrespect’
CANBERRA coach Ricky Stuart has offered a backhanded apology for suggesting NRL mentors “might as well be coaching netball” if they can’t have tough conversations with their players, saying: “I hope netball take it as being good publicity for them.”
Stuart’s comments prompted furious netball players and figures to declare the Raiders coach should be
“embarrassed” over the remarks. Australian Diamonds shooter Sophie Garbin called it disrespectful.
“It’s 2021 and comments like this are still getting said about women in general and there’s no need for it,” she said. “Netball deserves respect. We’ve got over a million girls playing and to get to the top level is really tough.”
Stuart said his remarks were not intended to upset. “Look, I respect all sports and it was an off the cuff comment,” Stuart said. “I’ve had a laugh about it. I’ve had some journalists ring me last night and we had a laugh about it, but they turned to their pen and flogged me today.
“I respect netball and I’m sorry if I offended any girl or boy that plays netball. All sports are tough, and I understand that. As John Fordham once said to me, any publicity is good publicity ... I hope netball take it as being good publicity for them.”