Everyone is entitled to their opinion, everyone's opinion always differs slightly from the next. I'm not about to tell people they should "shut the f%^$ up" like Timmah said. I don't believe that is appropriate especially when one keeps into perspective what this forum is here for.
I think what caused so much consternation is that fans crave consistency. When there isn't consistency or what is perceived as inconsistency, fans and people who are affected by the game blow up. The stakes are infinitely higher when the perceived inconsistency relates to important players.
Personally I thought the Brett Stewart decision by the league was an overtly excessive knee jerk media driven penalty. It wa a penalty for the loudspeakers. This penalty and the ridiculous reasons for it, in any shape or form shouldn't be repeated in the manner which they were. As a Manly supporter I don't want to see the League or David Gallop for that matter repeat the knee jerk mistakes made in the past for the sake of what the rabid media brainwashed public perceive to be consistency.
Suspending Todd Carney for mine would amount to two stupid over reactions. And if you think back to all the rubbish the Bulldogs had to put up with, including Garry Hughes losing his job during the fateful Coffs Harbour sojurn where no criminal charges were laid (despite what anyone privately thinks they know), well we don't need hysterical over reaction such as that any more.
Players should be dealt with fairly. The same fairness which is afforded to all citizens, dole bludgers and tax payers alike. Certain offences are clearer in their cut compared to other allegations but ultimately everyone has their day when the evidence is tested professionally by expensively scholared persons in courts of law, local to the criminal court of appeal.
Brett Stewart's case was tested in the Supreme Court, during which police alleged he wasn't drunk and the ultimate verdict as adjudicated by a 12 person panel of peers was a unanimous "not guilty". In hind sight I have no idea why Stewart was treated so harshly except for the media frenzy of the moment, but those harsh manners of NRL judgement should not roll forward to Todd Carney just because they happened to Brett Stewart. I'm a Manly fan, Brett was dealt with unfairly, Todd shouldn't be belted with the same stick just but the league went over harsh on Brett. The line should be drawn, it's time to afford players due process.
In hindsight, the NRL should be embarrassed by how they over reacted to the Stewart saga, their reaction could indeed have affected the fairness of Stewarts trial. The League dealt with Stewart so publicly, I wouldn't be surprised if Police or the DPP had a private word to the League about the public way he was dealt with. Working in a sector of the Criminal Justice System myself, I've seen first hand how difficult it can be to empanel a jury at the best of times, let alone a matter which is high profile. The League should have instead stood tall and had faith in the criminal justice system all punters of NSW are ultimately judged by. Hopefully this is how the League is rolling now. I'm sure they have learnt from this.
The way the Brett Stewart situation was handled indicated to me that it was possible David Gallop hadn't dealt with Criminal Law all that often during his time with Holman Webb Lawyers.
All I hope for and what we should all hope for, is that for the benefit of the game and all fans of the game the NRL remains consistent in their treatment of future alleged player indiscretions whether they be the champions or the fringe kids, criminal or ethical aberrations, Roosters, Raiders or Sea Eagles. When considering consistency, all players should be treated with the balance the latest Todd Carney incident has been been afforded, despite the obvious pressured media frenzy that is sure to follow. I'm supporting David Gallop here, I always support people and organisations that appear to have learned from their mistakes, and I'm therefore taking the Carney decision as a sign the game has become stronger and is beginning to respect itself.
On Todd Carney personally, I just wish the kid all the very best and I hope he takes his opportunity and talent with both hands and runs hard.
Rugby League is the winner here, go rugby league.
