https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/...e/news-story/544ba1debe7084a37ad920d7aa3b42e1
Phil Rothfield: Unproven sexual assault claims may end Jarryd Hayne’s career ... and that’s a shame
Phil Rothfield, Sports Editor-at-large, The Daily Telegraph
10 minutes ago
As a footballer,
Jarryd Hayne is as gifted as any I’ve seen in the modern era.
I can’t say the same about him as a human being, not that I’ve had that much to do
with him.
He appears brash, impetuous and sometimes big-headed.
But this column is not about that and I’m actually sticking up for him.
These latest sexual assault claims will probably end his career prematurely at 30 years of age.
Even if he’s cleared, there’s the stigma.
I’ll start by saying my emotional thoughts are with the young lady and her family more than anything else. You always think in these cases: What if it was your own daughter?
However, everyone knows there must be a presumption of innocence before anyone is condemned, especially before charges have even been laid, as the case is here.
Think about it. If Hayne was John Smith, who worked in a low-profile job, would we have even heard about this case, let alone have it leading news bulletins on Channel 9 and making the front page of this newspaper.
In no way am I playing down the allegations.
But does a person deserve to lose his career and his livelihood over unproven claims?
I know for a fact St George Illawarra and the Parramatta Eels are now off Hayne.
I rang Eels coach
Brad Arthuron Saturday to ask if he would still support the fallen superstar.
“I’m not allowed to comment, mate,” Arthur said. “Ring (CEO)
Bernie Gurr. We’ve been told not to say anything.”
Right now, police investigators are determining if they should take any further action.
Meanwhile, Hayne’s career has been left at the bottom of the scrapheap.
And I’m not sure that’s fair.