mitch222
State of Origin Captain
- Apr 4, 2014
- 8,670
- 8,696
Sure, but what is that line? Banning them for life is simply stupid, won't stop or discourage people, and the PR we get from being out of touch with a widespread societal issue will be far more damaging than any PR we get from being "strong on drugs". Bank. On. It.
It's not exactly like that, though it is similar. These guys don't need to be wearing anything and they represent their club and NRL. It doesn't matter what time, day, part of this or any other country they are, they don't have an off switch until they retire, even then, they are "former NRL star..." Yes, that is part of the privilege of (mostly) earning good money and being famous and you do not have to choose that path if you don't want to. Having said that, people make mistakes, especially those that are famous and have everything tossed their way and are built up to think they are the best/invincible. I don't think someone should be punished FOR LIFE for a mistake. Nor do I think they should be thrown under the bus for a failed test. If they fail three times, sure - what difference does it make, 1 strike or 3 strikes? Mostly it just allows room to hang themselves while keeping a reasonable view on things.
Perhaps it's time for you to exit the game then Sterlo, there will always be players with drug issues and there will always be players that make mistakes. If you are wanting players to be perfect while disregarding what you guys got upto in your day (maybe he didn't take drugs, but you are out of your mind if you think players didn't take rec drugs in the 80's, or any other era), then i don't think what you are offering is realistic.
I bet you if you asked them on an anonymous questionnaire, they would answer very differently.
I'm not saying ban them for life, but yeah, punish them severely for fucking up. A two match ban is a slap on the wrist. Punish them financially and let them front the media to explain their actions. Make them apologise to not only the fans but their team mates who they have also let down. These players are educated quite a bit these days on this kind of stuff. They all know the rules, its literally drilled into them every year. Strict punishments need to be introduced and enforced. Not ifs, not buts, break the rules you get punished. The players are pushing for more money every time they get a new TV deal, this kind of actions effect that TV deal. They effect sponsorship of clubs. The NRL is a national brand. You step out line, you pay a heavy price. Even if it means eventually excluding you from the game all together if they continue to not get the message.