QldEagle01
Reserve Grader
thanks for your email. I can appreciate your feelings over this situation. Brett has been an outstanding ambassador for the game in the past and that makes this scenario even more difficult.
The fact is that the sexual assault allegations against Brett have nothing to do with the NRL's actions in suspending him. The suspension (and the fine issued to Manly) are due to Brett's intoxication at the Manly season launch.
I understand you drawing comparisons to past events. The NRL endeavours to evaluate every case on its individual merits and the case involving Brett Stewart is especially complicated given the events occurred in the same week as he officially launched the season on behalf of all NRL players.
The fact that he breached the NRL Code of Conduct is not in dispute. In most of these cases is it left to the clubs to provide a suitable response to those actions of its players, which is monitored by the NRL. In this instance it was felt that the Manly club did not provide a suitable response and the NRL acted.
It must be noted that the criminal charges pending against Brett Stewart are an entirely different matter and in no way does this suspension relate to that issue. That is a legal matter and in the hands of the court.
The facts of that matter are disputed and the only arena for them to be determined is the court and that is what we have to wait for.
Thanks again for your feedback.
Regards,
Caroline Blake
Information Services Officer
E: [email protected]
The fact is that the sexual assault allegations against Brett have nothing to do with the NRL's actions in suspending him. The suspension (and the fine issued to Manly) are due to Brett's intoxication at the Manly season launch.
I understand you drawing comparisons to past events. The NRL endeavours to evaluate every case on its individual merits and the case involving Brett Stewart is especially complicated given the events occurred in the same week as he officially launched the season on behalf of all NRL players.
The fact that he breached the NRL Code of Conduct is not in dispute. In most of these cases is it left to the clubs to provide a suitable response to those actions of its players, which is monitored by the NRL. In this instance it was felt that the Manly club did not provide a suitable response and the NRL acted.
It must be noted that the criminal charges pending against Brett Stewart are an entirely different matter and in no way does this suspension relate to that issue. That is a legal matter and in the hands of the court.
The facts of that matter are disputed and the only arena for them to be determined is the court and that is what we have to wait for.
Thanks again for your feedback.
Regards,
Caroline Blake
Information Services Officer
E: [email protected]