http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/bulldogs-mason-part-ways/2007/10/31/1193618974139.html
Bulldogs, mauler Mason part ways
Andrew Webster | November 1, 2007
THE Bulldogs will release jaded superstar Willie Mason from the final two years of his lucrative contract after the club rejected his request to fight in a professional boxing bout next year.
On the same day the club was forced to deny reports that chief executive Malcolm Noad was poised to be sacked, Mason was last night drinking at a Woolloomooloo restaurant and telling teammates he had played his last game for the Bulldogs.
Mason is livid that he could be fined for not attending a function on grand final day - although the club scoffed at his claims that he is facing a $50,000 reprimand.
The
Herald understands teammate Reni Maitua is also considering asking for a release because he did not attend the function and faces possible sanctions.
The falling-out with Mason has been brewing for some months but the relationship completely soured when his manager demanded Mason have time off early in the new year so he could train for a boxing bout.
"Yes, we were [approached] and we said no," Noad said. "We said he can't be a professional footballer and a professional boxer at the same time."
It is believed Mason stood to receive $100,000 for the fight. He was also telling teammates last night that there was a clause in his $400,000-a-season deal allowing him to walk out - which Noad disputed.
"If Willie doesn't want to play, we will give him a release," Noad said. "No one is bigger than the club and the team. If Willie wants a release, he can call me. I won't be chasing him.
"There is no doubt that there are some underlying issues."
Mason did not return the
Herald's calls but one Bulldogs player said: "He's gone. He definitely wants out."
Noad insisted Maitua would not be fined, because he had informed football manager Brad Clyde that he would not attend. Maitua is holidaying in Los Angeles and could not be contacted last night.
What is certain is that the Bulldogs are a club in crisis, with accusations flying thick and fast behind the scenes yesterday.
Yesterday morning, Bulldogs chairman George Peponis was forced to deny radio and website reports that Noad would be sacked at midday.
Across town at the same time, South Sydney announced its chief executive, Shane Richardson, had quit to take up a position with a new sports, media and investment business.
"It is a malicious lie that is totally unfounded," Peponis said in a statement. "I was taken aback when informed that this story was running. There is absolutely no truth to it and Malcolm Noad will continue to be the Bulldogs CEO."
Noad revealed he had been assured by Peponis at a board meeting last week that he had the support of directors.
"He said there had been no discussions - formally or informally - about my possible demise," Noad said.
"George Peponis is a man of great integrity and he looked me between the eyes and told me my job was safe, so I believe him."
Several Bulldogs sources said Mason had become offside with some players and that his attitude would be addressed when he returned to training later this month.
At the same time, players told the
Herald they had lost faith in the club's management because it was more concerned with protecting the image of the club than supporting them.
Despite the schism, Noad laughed at claims the fine being dished out to Mason was about $50,000.
"We don't get fined $5000 if you go DUI," he said. "You would have to invade the White House. I'm told he's filthy for not attending the grand final function. Other players managed to attend, even though they were at other functions and had arms in a sling.
"We haven't even discussed it with him yet, although in all likelihood he will be [fined] because he let his team and club down."
Meanwhile, Richardson insisted he had not been pressured out of the chief executive's chair at South Sydney.
Richardson will become director of sports operations at The Passionate Group - a new company headed by South Sydney's executive chairman Peter Holmes a Court - but will have a consulting role as director of football operations at South for the next 12 months.
Asked whether he had jumped before being pushed, Richardson replied: "To even comment on that is ordinary. It was never a matter of being pushed. There was never a discussion [like that] with me in any way."
He said he hoped to start negotiations with Parramatta fullback Jarryd Hayne this week.
"My task was to re-establish the Rabbitohs as a force again in the NRL," he said. "At the end of the last season I sought out the owners and informed them that I was looking for a new challenge and that we needed to look closely at the best structure to carry the club forward to success, thinking outside of the box on that structure while ensuring stability."
