Is that any reason to throw Hasler under the bus though?
And in any case, what do you think “consultation” would have achieved with these players?
Manly Warringah CEO: “Hey, guess what guys? In Round 20 when you play the Roosters in a month’s time, we’re celebrating pride week to show that the sport is inclusive of the LGBTI community, so we’d like you to wear a jersey during that game with a little bit of rainbow trimming in the design, it’s fully endorsed by one of the Sea Eagles Immortals; Ian Roberts. Would that be Ok with you guys?”
Many Warringah religious 7: “Yeah, Nah… We’re Christian and we regard homosexuality as a sin as versed in Leviticus blub verses blub, blub. Sorry, but we can’t be seen to be publicly supporting it. Sorry boss, but we’ll have to sit this one out…”
No, I completely agree - Des has been f**ked, big style. Manly made a prelim final last year, and were in the 8 at the time of the jersey f**k-up.
Consultation would have avoided the jersey situation. For the record, and I said it in the jersey thread multiple times, I have high disdain for the players who boycotted the jersey and the game. I have high disdain for any religion, or anyone for that matter that is prejudiced against any group of people. It's hypocritical, given a lot of things they do that are in opposition to the Bible, and I'm sure they wouldn't want to be judged and made to feel persecuted for their religion, skin colour or otherwise.
However, as I said, Manly could have backed the Pride cause in other ways. Remember, it wasn't Pride round, it was Women in League round. They could have put players up to back a message, to attend events, shown a commitment in other ways. They failed to know their players and the backlash it would inevitably cause, and actually shat on the Pride message as the message didn't get out clearly and the resulting media - especially social media - was one of 'freedom of speech' vs 'hate speech disguised as religion'. It was as poor of a decision as I've seen - that's not me saying the 7 had the right to be homophobic (because that's sorta what it is), either.
And apparently that's Des' fault, not the Penns. Des handled himself as well as he could have through the whole fiasco, with no CEO or owner assistance in a situation he didn't create nor should be expected to front on. Then I watch Scott Penn interviewed today/whenever it was, and he's a snake oil salesman.
