Suspensions the wake-up call players understand
Chris Wilson
Shamed Canberra Raiders star Todd Carney said suspensions, not fines, would have the biggest impact on curbing off-field incidents.
Carney attributed binge drinking in rugby league to the addictive nature of winning and said he had "no doubt" there would be more off-field controversies in the NRL.
Carney admitted he had run out of chances at the Raiders, but he endorsed the rehabilitation plan the club imposed on him.
Bulldogs star Sonny Bill Williams was this week exposed for urinating in public and police charged his teammate Ben Roberts with drink-driving.
"I think other clubs should have a look at things the club has done for me," Carney said.
"I guess there's all different categories of what people do.
"I guess what Sonny Bill has done, you wouldn't take football away from him, but just look at the plan [the Raiders] have put me through, like an alcohol ban and counselling."
The Raiders suspended Carney's $200,000-a-year contract for six weeks, prevented him from training with the NRL squad and sent him to work with Koomarri, a centre for people with disabilities.
But Carney said missing games had the heaviest impact on him.
Carney has been suspended four NRL matches and will miss his fifth when he plays Premier League tomorrow.
"When you're out injured you know you can't play," Carney said.
"When you get in trouble [and you're suspended] you know you can be out there, putting something towards a win. I've been through a process, I realise it's my last chance, and that's why it won't happen again.
"A lot of footballers make a high amount of money and until this year everyone was copping fines. At the end of the day it is a punishment, but you bounce back from it.
"But losing football, most footballers were born to play footy ... The six games [sic] I've lost, I think 'what could have been?'.
"You'd still play for nothing just to play first grade because that's what you dreamt of as a kid sitting in your room. You don't dream about how much money you have, you dream about running out playing first grade."
Carney described rugby league, and winning, as an addiction.
"It [player misbehaviour] happens because you only drink once a week and that's after a win usually," he said.
"The feeling you get after you win a game of rugby league is massive. You feel on top of the world, you get a bit drunk and things happen."
Carney remains on a total alcohol ban and is continuing counselling.
"I'm not really thinking about drinking, I just want to be back playing football," he said.
"I'm not going to turn around and say I'm never going to drink again."
