I think its got to a stage where its more an accumulation of incidents from Payne rather than just this one. I think
@pagey has a valid point about somebody taking drugs and getting behind the wheel under the influence compared to what Payne has done. One is clearly worse than the other. Payne imo got off very lightly for his driving unlicensed and txting in control of a vehicle. That can also lead injury or death.
My take is still come down hard on the bloke this time. Suspend him, fine him, educate him. Its not his first offence, its not his second offence, its his third offence. Time to get tough with the idiot. If he gets into any trouble again, cut him loose. I can pretty much guarantee people would want him gone now if his name was Joel Clinton or Martin Kennedy. Being Payne Haas has bought him some goodwill imo.