Bulldogs manager dismissed
March 18, 2004
FOOTBALL manager Garry Hughes has become the first victim of the Bulldogs sex scandal, sacked today "for his failure to act in the interests of the players".
Bulldogs chairman Doctor George Peponis announced the decision at a hastily convened press conference this afternoon at Belmore Sports Ground.
Dr Peponis also announced a range of penalties for players who failed to observe appropriate dress codes when called to an interview by police earlier this month.
The players involved have been fined amounts up to $10,000.
Dr Peponis said the Bulldogs board had met today with the players to hear their side of the story as to why they had appeared at the Sydney Police Centre dressed in casual clothes despite a management directive to wear more appropriate attire.
"Given the gravity of the allegations and the necessity for the police to interview the players, the club with the rest of the community, were offended by the players' appearance," Dr Peponis said.
"On behalf of the board and the players, I offer an apology to our sponsors, supporters and the public.
"I would also like to restate my commitment that the Bulldogs club will ensure that its code of conduct and the expectations and proper standards of the community will be upheld in future."
Eskimo Sharkie said:Two words....piss weak.
Why wait all this time? Take a leaf out of St Kilda's books guys and, as much as I loathe the AFL, they've handled their allegations a hell of a lot better than Canterbury. Keeping the alleged offenders' identities secret only serves to keep the whole club tarnished by the scandal.
Eskimo Sharkie said:Two words....piss weak.
Why wait all this time? Take a leaf out of St Kilda's books guys and, as much as I loathe the AFL, they've handled their allegations a hell of a lot better than Canterbury. Keeping the alleged offenders' identities secret only serves to keep the whole club tarnished by the scandal.
Dogs Of War said:I wonder if the 2 who got the fines were because they are the ones under investigation so should have dressed up for something so serious.
ibeme said:Dogs Of War said:I wonder if the 2 who got the fines were because they are the ones under investigation so should have dressed up for something so serious.
I doubt it. If I were to guess, I'd say it had something to do with some distasteful logos on their shirts.
ibeme said:I think this sacking has a lot to do with achieving a cultural change also. He's obviously the bloke who's responsible for the players (in addition to their responsibility for themselves), and this culture of disprespect appears to have atleast survived under his guidance.