Three Panthers Suspended

[Big Mick]

Mar 21 - Three Penrith players have been suspended by the club following police charges being laid against them as a result of an alleged incident in Parramatta last night.

The three – Richard Fa’aoso, Luke Cross and Albert Peters – have been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and have been bailed to appear in Parramatta local court on April 26th.

“This is an extremely serious matter,” Penrith CEO Shane Richardson said this morning. “The three players have been suspended pending a disciplinary hearing.

“Any further consideration and action will take into account the result of the disciplinary hearing and the court case.

“This club will always hold players accountable for their actions.”


From PI, Link http://www.panthers.com.au/index.php?id=3&newsArticle=328&PHPSESSID=c693ae9a00febeaaf78e7ccb64e44a92

 

[mightypanther]

Stupid and irresponsible at the very least.

I hope the victim is not hurt too badly.

And I hope the club is not lenient on them.

 

[*Sandy*]

Disappointing. I'm left speechless...

 

[Fibroman]

Probably following the example set by our federal Labour leader.

 

[Caged Panther]

:lol: :lol: Fibro I was waiting for someone to come out and say that.

I can't believe that any rugby league player at whatever level could show such stupidity to do such a thing at any time let alone in the current climate. There act reeks thugery and we don't need that sort of element in our club.

 

[Fibroman]

A little birdy told me the players have now been sacked. A stupid argument over a cab fare. I bet they never do it again. Next time they will just drive their own car when they get on the pee one double five, and do the runner from the cops like Morley did.

 

[SP]

From LU main page

The Penrith Panthers have backed down from the tough penalty imposed on three lower grade players last month, today confirming they would be allowed to resume training despite the fact that the trio are yet to face court on an assault charge.

The Panthers immediately stood down the three players last month after they allegedly assaulted a taxi driver near Parramatta.

Today, Panthers CEO Shane Richardson said the players would be available for selection this weekend.

“On the basis of the allegations and police charges, we temporarily suspended the three while we looked at all the options that were available to us,” Richardson said.

“After looking into the matter, and discussing the situation with the players, their managers and the NRL, we have decided that each player should be allowed to train and make himself available for selection until his case is heard.”

Richardson said that it’s his understanding that the club have no other option but to re-instate the players.

“… from a legal standpoint we have no other option. The court matter will and must run its course.”
The players – Richard Fa’aoso, Luke Cross and Albert Peters – were charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm after the alleged incident and are to appear in Parramatta Local Court in April 26.

“There will be a disciplinary hearing once the Court action is over.”


in my opinion, id let them train, but not play until the case is over

 

[Big Mick]

i dunno about this

 

[Big Mick]

I'm not real sure that this is the right answer.

Although legally the club can't do anything as it was outside the area of employment.

 

[*Sandy*]

Yeah it's tough. I'm assuming here...even though they have been laid off they are still being paid by the club? I'm guessing legally they still have to honour the contract. No use having them sitting out...may as well put them to use.

Silly boys though...this is something that will follow them all through their career...that's if they end up furthering it in football.

 

[Big Mick]

I think Fa'maso will, don't know bout the others.

 

[Catatonic_Omnivore]

Hi Guys,
Hope you don't mind me butting in as this subject was a recent debate I had. It's more to do with the Bulldogs though.

Its similar assuming that charges are laid on the Dogs. Should the players charged be allowed to play whilst the Court case is pending or in progress? I would imgine that the players involved would be under some stress and it may affect their performance.

Im thinking that the club would stand them down to concentrate on what ever efforts are required to defend allegations put before them. Not so much as an admission of guilt. I think this was evident when Kobe Bryant from the Lakers whilst his court case was being heard.

Just a thought.

BTW, just saw the tape of the game last Friday. Still dissapointed with the result but a well deserved win to the Panthers no less.

 

[Big Mick]

I think we are lucky in that in this instance it was lower grade players, and not first grade players like Canterbury.

I think only 1 or two will get picked. But I doubt they'll be playing for the panthers much longer.

 

[*Sandy*]

Yeah don't mind at all Catatonic.

I'm not quite sure....I've never played professional sport but I have had plenty of ups and downs in my life and all I ever wanted to do was get out on that court, put my worries behind me and play some netball. It was my moment away from everything.

I guess each individual handles situations differently.

 

[Big Mick]

Yeah, i think they want to get on with their jobs.

 

[Catatonic_Omnivore]

I just think that the court proceedings, if there is one, is going to be pretty ugly for the Dogs. The press is going to have a field day once the prosecutors tries to discredit the players. I mean it's not like they are facing up to a non-payment of a parking fine. Who know what dirt lies beneath the surface.

On other subject...
My Roosters looks set to be short on forwards in up comming weeks. I know they signed George Rose. What's he like and can he handle 1st Grade?

 

[SP]

i saw 1 game with him playing for the cougars (the final) and i though he was pretty average in my opinion

but that was 1 game though, never have seen a full season with him playing